Question

Ionization energy is defined as 'the energy required for removing the most loosely bound electron from an isolated gaseous atom or ion'. Identify element A.

Molar ionization energy for element 'A'	$1^{st}$	$2^{nd}$	$3^{rd}$	$4^{th}$	$5^{th}$	$6^{th}$
(kJ/mol)	1086.5	2352.6	4620.5	6222.7	37831	47277

• A. Nitrogen
• B. Oxygen
• C. Carbon
• D. Fluorine

Answer 1

The correct option is C Carbon

In the given table, we see that the ionization energy jumps very significantly between the fourth and fifth ionization energy in this case which only means that after the fourth electron has removed, it has retained a noble gas configuration. That’s why the energy is much much larger. The element out of the answer which has 4 electrons in its valence shell is carbon.

Hence, the correct answer is (C).