Question

A space probe identifies a new element in a sample collected from an asteroid. Successive ionization energies (in attojoules per atom) for the new element are shown below.
I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 I6 I7
0.507 1.017 4.108 5.074 6.147 7.903 8.294

To what family of the periodic table does this new element probably belong?
1(1A)
2(2A)
13(3A)
14(4A)
15(5A)
16(6A)
17(7A)
18(8A)

Answer 1

Hmm, I must admit I'm a bit confused as to what the table is supposed to represent.

Typically you'll want to either arrange the data so you can see the logarithmic curves like so:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Electron_binding_energy_vs_Z.jpg

Or something like this:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/ionize.html

Answer 2

Could you clarify the context of this question a bit? What's the topic? Were you given any helpful formulas? Do you have a chart or table you can compare against?

What you're trying to find here is the orbital energy levels, which are quantized.

Answer 3

Group 2A. The thing to notice is the big jump in ionization energy between the 2nd and 3rd. That means pulling off the 3rd electron is unusually hard -- which suggests it's part of a complete inner shell. That, in turn, implies that this atom has two valence electrons. Therefore, Group 2A.

Answer 4

Come to think of it, I think @Carl_Pham's logic is much simpler than the route I was going and makes sense. See if the alkaline earth column (group 2A) is the correct answer, I would bet he's right on. :-)