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?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The unknown element most likely belongs to the alkaline earth metals family (Group 2) in the periodic table, as there is a significant jump in ionization energies between the second and third values, indicating the presence of 2 valence electrons.

Step by step solution

01

Look for a significant jump in ionization energies

Observe the ionization energy values given. Notice that there is a significant increase in energy between the second and third ionization energies from 1752 kJ/mol to 14,807 kJ/mol. This large jump is indicative of a change in an energy shell, and it helps us determine the number of valence electrons in the element.
02

Count the number of valence electrons

Since there is a significant jump between the second and third ionization energy, we can conclude that there are 2 valence electrons in the outermost shell of the unknown element. The first 2 ionization energies correspond to the removal of these 2 valence electrons.
03

Determine the unknown element's group in the periodic table

An element with 2 valence electrons is found in Group 2 of the periodic table. Group 2 elements are known as alkaline earth metals. Examples of elements in this family include beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra).
04

Identify the family to which the unknown element most likely belongs

Based on the above discussion, we can conclude that the unknown element with the given successive ionization energies most likely belongs to the alkaline earth metals family (Group 2) in the periodic table.

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