The successive ionisation energies in` kJ "mol"^(-1)` of an element P are 740, 1500, 10500, 13600, 18000 and 21700. Which ion is the most likely to be formed when P reacts with chloride?

Options

A. `P^(2-)`
B. `P^+`
C. `P^(2+)`
D. `P^(3+)`

Answer

C

Explanation

After losing two electrons, there is a sudden large increase in IE from 1500 to 10500 kJ `"mol"^(-1)` . It means that after losing two electrons, a stable configuration is achieved. So the element P forms a `P^(2+)` ion.