The successive ionization energies for an unknown element...

The successive ionization energies for an unknown element are $I_{1}=896 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}$ $I_{2}=1752 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}$ $I_{3}=14,807 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}$ $I_{4}=17,948 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}$ To which family in the periodic table does the unknown element most likely belong?

The successive ionization energies for an unknown element are $I_{1}=896 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}$
$I_{2}=1752 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}$
$I_{3}=14,807 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}$
$I_{4}=17,948 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}$
To which family in the periodic table does the unknown element most likely belong?

Key Concepts

Periodic Trends in Ionization Energy

Ionization energy generally increases across a period and decreases down a group in the periodic table. Recognizing how these energies change with the removal of electrons helps determine whether the electrons being removed are valence or core electrons, which in turn aids in understanding an element’s placement in the periodic table.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom and are primarily responsible for its chemical reactivity and bonding characteristics. The number of valence electrons determines the element’s group in the periodic table and explains the noticeable jump in energy when core electrons begin to be removed.

Successive Ionization Energies

Successive ionization energies refer to the series of energy amounts required to remove electrons sequentially from an atom. A significant jump in these energies typically indicates that electrons are being removed from a more tightly bound inner shell after the valence electrons have been exhausted.

Family Grouping in the Periodic Table

Elements are grouped in the periodic table based on their similar electron configurations and chemical properties. The pattern of ionization energies, especially the large jump after removing a certain number of electrons, can indicate the number of valence electrons and thus point to the element’s likely family or group in the periodic table.

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