Successive ionization energies (in kJ mol ) for an unknown element X are listed below

CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · A Level · Chemistry · Periodicity and periodic trends · Periodicity and periodic trends

Problem

Successive ionization energies (in kJ mol

^{-1}

) for an unknown element X are listed below.

\begin{aligned} I_{1} &= 738\\ I_{2} &= 1451\\ I_{3} &= 7733\\ I_{4} &= 10542\\ I_{5} &= 13630\\ I_{6} &= 18020\\ I_{7} &= 21710 \end{aligned}

Use these data to answer the questions that follow. (a) How many valence electrons does element X possess? Justify your answer using the numerical data. (b) Identify element X by its chemical symbol and write its ground-state electron configuration in noble-gas notation. (c) Write the complete electron configuration for the X

^{+}

ion formed by removal of one electron. (d) State whether the X

^{+}

ion is paramagnetic or diamagnetic, and explain your reasoning in terms of subshell occupancy.

Related theory

Electronic Configuration
Atomic Structure
Ionisation enthalpy
Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
Electron configurations
Periodic Trends in Physical Properties

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