Question

Which of the following configurations is associated with the biggest jump between $2nd$ and $3rd$ I.E.?

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

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$1s^2,2s^{2}2p^6,3s^2$

Let us consider the configurations of the given elements after the loss of 2 electrons:-
A) $1s^{2}2s^2$
B) $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^5$
C) $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^6$
D) $1s^{2}2s^1$
From the options above we notice that the greatest energy will be involved for option C as it has attained the noble gas configuration after the loss of 2 electrons and removal of a $3^{rd}$ electron will require a lot of energy.
Hence option C is the right answer.