Question

A sudden large jump between the values of second and third ionization energies of an element would be associated with which of the following electronic configuration?

• A. $1s^2,2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{1}3p^2$
• B. $1s^2,2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{1}3p^1$
• C. $1s^2,2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^1$
• D. $1s^2,2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^2$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $1s^2,2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^2$

A sudden large jump between the values of second and third ionization energies of an element would be associated with electronic configuration $1s^2,2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^2$.

$1s^2,2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^2$ looses two electrons to form $1s^2,2s^{2}2p^6$ which is stable electronic configuration of noble gas Ne. Octet is completely filled. When third electron is to be removed, large amount of energy is required as this stable electronic configuration is to be broken.