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 ▸

2-chloropropanoic acid has a Ka of 1.48E-3. Write an expression for Ka and hence or otherwise, calculate the pH of a 0.35M solution of 2-chloropropanoic acid


How does ionisation energy change down a group?


Name and draw the mechanism by which benzene reacts with ethanoyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst. Also explain why benzene undergoes a substitution reaction, rather than an addition reaction.


At what temperature would 0.05 moles of nitrogen gas occupy 1000cm^3 at 50kPa?