A large difference between the third and fourth ionization energies indicates the presence of:

Options

A. 4 valence electrons in an atom
B. 5 valence electrons in an atom
C. 3 valence electrons in an atom
D. 2 valence electrons in an atom

Answer

C

Explanation

For possible `n^(2)np^(1)` configuration, the removal of fourth electron will be possibly from an inert gas electron configuration. So there will be high jump in the fourth ionisation enthalpy than the third ionisation enthalpy which will take place from `ns^(1)` electron configuration.