Which of Na+ and Mg2+ is the smaller ion. Explain your answer. (2 marks)
Mg2+ is the smaller ion. (1 mark) Mg2+ has a larger nuclear charge than Na+ and has the same number of electrons. (1 mark)
Further explaination: Magnesium is further along the period than sodium is which means that the electrostatic attraction between the valence electrons and the nucleus is greater than that of sodium and the relative nuclear charge for a 2+ ion is larger than that of a 1+ ion.
JH
Related Chemistry A Level answers
All answers ▸What type of stereoisomer is shown by butan-2-ol and how can we prove it?
Why can Cyclohexene react with Bromine but Benzene cannot?
Explain why the element nickel has a high melting point
State why it is initially unexpected for alkenes to undergo electrophilic addition with bromine. Explain why this reaction does indeed occur.