An element has successive ionization enthalpies as 940 (first), 2080, 3090, 4140, 7030, 7870, 16000 — Periodic Table and Periodicity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: List the successive ionization energies: IE_1 = 940, IE_2 = 2080, IE_3 = 3090, IE_4 = 4140, IE_5 = 7030, IE_6 = 7870, IE_7 = 16000, IE_8 = 19500. Step 2: Look for the most significant energy jump. The jump from IE_6 (7870) to IE_7 (16000) is more than double, indicating that the seventh electron is removed from a stable inner shell core. Step 3: This shows that the element has exactly 6 valence electrons in its outer shell. Elements with 6 valence electrons belong to Group 16 (chalcogens) of the periodic table.