Question

Of the given electronic configurations for the elements, which electronic
configuration indicates that there will be abnormally high
difference in the second and third ionization energy for the element?
(a) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² (b) 1s² 2s² 2p6 3s¹
(c) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹ (d) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p²

Answer 1

(a) 1s², 2s², 2p⁶, 3s²

Explanation:

Of the given electronic configurations for the elements, the electronic configuration for (a) indicates that there will be abnormally high difference in the second and third ionization energy for the element because the element has two valence electrons.

Option A is the answer.