We are told: IE(Mg) is smaller than IE(X) and IE(Y). IE(Mg) is greater than IE(Z).
Hence we want: IE(Mg)IE(Z). Approximate first ionization energies (in kJmol−1) of the relevant elements: IE(Ne)≈2080 IE(Na)≈496 IE(Mg)≈738 IE(Al)≈578 (not listed but for reference) IE(Si)≈787 (not listed but for reference) IE(P)≈1012 (not listed but for reference) IE(S)≈1000 (not listed but for reference) IE(Cl)≈1251 IE(Ar)≈1521 IE(Li)≈520 We test each option: (A) neon, sodium, chlorine X=Ne: IE(Ne)=2080>738 ✓ Y=Na: IE(Na)=496Z=\mathrm{Cl}:\mathrm{IE}(\mathrm{Cl})=1251 > 738✗(contradicts“\mathrm{Mg}>Z”)So(A)doesnotfittherequirement.(B)argon,chlorine,sodiumX=\mathrm{Ar}:\mathrm{IE}(\mathrm{Ar})=1521 > 738✓Y=\mathrm{Cl}:\mathrm{IE}(\mathrm{Cl})=1251 > 738✓Z=\mathrm{Na}:\mathrm{IE}(\mathrm{Na})=496 Thus IE(Mg)IE(Na).
This matches perfectly.
(C) chlorine, lithium, sodium X=Cl: IE(Cl)=1251>738 ✓ Y=Li: IE(Li)=520Z=\mathrm{Na}:\mathrm{IE}(\mathrm{Na})=496 (D) argon, lithium, sodium X=Ar: IE(Ar)=1521>738 ✓ Y=Li: IE(Li)=520Z=\mathrm{Na}:\mathrm{IE}(\mathrm{Na})=496 Hence only (B) satisfies all conditions: (B) argon, chlorine, and sodium.