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 given in the table.

I-1 = 0.507

I-2 = 1.017

I-3 = 4.108

I-4 = 5.074

I-5 = 6.147

I-6 = 7.903

I-7 = 8.294

To what family of the periodic table does this new element probably belong? Optional answers:

18 (8A)

14 (4A)

17 (7A)

13 (3A)

15 (5A)

1 (1A)

16 (6A)

2 (2A)