The following successive ionization energies correspond to an element in the third row of the periodic table: I₁ = 786.3 kJ/mol, I₂ =1,580 kJ/mol, I₃= 3,230 kJ/mol, I₄ = 4,360 kJ/mol, I₅ = 16,000, and I₆ = 20,000 kJ/mol. Based on this pattern of ionization energies, identify the element.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pattern of ionization energies indicates that the element is in the third row of the periodic table and has 4 valence electrons. This points to silicon (atomic number 14), which has the correct number of valence electrons and fits in the third row.

The Following Successive Ionization Energies Correspond to an Element in the Third