Solution
Core Logic
Let's examine the differences between successive ionization energies to find where the largest jump occurs:
- IE₁ = 800 kJ/mol
- IE₂ = 2427 kJ/mol
- IE₃ = 3658 kJ/mol
- IE₄ = 25024 kJ/mol
- IE₅ = 32824 kJ/mol
Notice the massive, multi-fold jump between IE₃ and IE₄ (3658 arrow 25024 kJ/mol).
This huge increase indicates that removing the 4th electron requires breaking into a stable, filled core noble gas shell configuration. This means the atom has exactly 3 valence electrons in its outermost shell (ns² np¹), which identifies it as a member of Group 13 (the Boron family).
Pattern Recognition
To find the number of valence electrons, look for the ionization step where the value jumps drastically. The number of relatively low ionization steps before that jump equals the number of valence electrons. Here, 3 low steps arrow 3 valence electrons arrow Group 13.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Chemistry: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties