Which element will display an unusually large jump in ionization energy values between I₃ and I₄, its third and fourth ionization energies A) Na B) Mg C) Al D) Si E) P

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The element in question is aluminum (Al). In Al, the first and second ionization energies (IE1 and IE2) involve removing electrons from the 3s and 3p orbitals, which are relatively close in energy. Therefore, IE1 and IE2 differ by a relatively small value. However, to remove a third electron from Al requires breaking the stable octet configuration of the 3p orbital and moving into the 3d subshell. This results in a significant increase in energy required (a large jump in ionization energy values). The fourth ionization energy (IE4) involves removing an electron from the 3p orbital again, so it follows a similar trend as IE1 and IE2. Therefore, the largest jump in ionization energy values between the third and fourth ionization energies is seen in aluminum.

Which Element Will Display an Unusually Large Jump in Ionization