Does Mg or Al have the higher first ionisation energy? Explain your answer.

Al has the higher first ionisation energy. Mg electronic configuration is [Ne]3s2 whereas Al configuration is [Ne]3s23p1. To remove the electron from Al, it has to be removed from the 3p orbital, as oppose to the 3s orbital in Mg. The 3p orbital is further away from the nucleus than the 3s orbital therefore would need more energy to remove it, making Al have a higher ionisation energy than Mg.

Answered by Kathryn R. Chemistry tutor

2871 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Which compound has a higher boiling point and why: water (H2O) or methane (CH4)?


Explain why the ionisation energies tend to increase across a period


The reversible reaction 2 SO2 (g) + O2 (g) <-> 2 SO3 (g) has a delta H value of -197 kJ/mol. Use Le Chatelier's principle to explain what conditions would give the highest equilibrium yield and why industry uses different conditions. (5 marks)


What are the different types of bonding in chemicals?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences