Which Ion from Na+ and Mg2+ has a smaller atomic radii? Explain why?

The smaller ion of the two would be Mg2+. Both ions have the same electronic arrangement so the amount of shielding occuring for both ions is the same. The key difference between the ions that causes the Mg2+ to have a smaller atomic radii, is that it has more protons within its nucleus, hence a greater nuclear charge than Na+ which means it will attract the valence electrons on the ion to a greater degree, shortening the distance between the nucleus and valence electrons and so making the ion smaller. 

TB

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does bromine water become colourless upon the addition of ethene, but not ethane? What is this reaction called?


In d block chemistry, Copper and Chromium electron configuration do not follow the electron filling trend , why is this?


State the qualitative tests to distinguish between halide ions in solution.


What is a mole?