Electronic Configuration with High Difference between Second and Third Ionization Energy

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or molecule. The second ionization energy is the energy required to remove a second electron from a singly ionized atom or molecule, while the third ionization energy is the energy required to remove a third electron from a doubly ionized atom or molecule.

In general, the ionization energy increases as we move from left to right across a period in the periodic table. This is because the atomic radius decreases, and the nuclear charge increases, making it harder to remove an electron. However, there are some exceptions to this trend, and one of them is the electronic configuration with abnormally high difference between second and third ionization energy.

The electronic configuration of an element with abnormally high difference between second and third ionization energy is 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2. This configuration belongs to the element magnesium (Mg).

Explanation

The electronic configuration of magnesium (Mg) is given by 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2. This means that magnesium has two electrons in the 1s orbital, two electrons in the 2s orbital, six electrons in the 2p orbital, and two electrons in the 3s orbital.

The first ionization energy of magnesium is relatively low, as it involves removing an electron from the 3s orbital. However, the second ionization energy is much higher, as it involves removing an electron from the 2p orbital. This is because the 2p orbital is closer to the nucleus and more tightly bound than the 3s orbital.

The third ionization energy of magnesium is even higher, as it involves removing an electron from the 2s orbital. This is because the 2s orbital is even closer to the nucleus and more tightly bound than the 2p orbital. Therefore, the electronic configuration of magnesium has an abnormally high difference between second and third ionization energy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the electronic configuration of an element with abnormally high difference between second and third ionization energy is 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, which belongs to the element magnesium (Mg). This configuration has an abnormally high difference between second and third ionization energy because the 2s orbital is even closer to the nucleus and more tightly bound than the 2p orbital, making it harder to remove an electron.