Question

The first six ionization energies, in KJ mol-1, of an element, are 1086, 2353, 4621, 6223, 37832, and 47278. In which group of the Periodic Table is this element?

Answer 1

The transition from removing valence electrons to removing core electrons results in a large jump in ionization energy. In this case, the jump happens between the FOURTH and the FIFTH ionization energies. Which means that this element has 4 valence electrons and is in 14 group (also called as IV group or 4A group). This element is most likely carbon C.