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

2761 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What happens when some alkali is added to a buffer solution?


What is the standard enthalpy change of formation and how does it differ from the standard enthalpy change of reaction?


For the formation of phenylethanone from benzene: Name and explain the mechanism, write an overall equation and write an equation for the formation of the electrophile.


Given the following equilibrium: H2O + H2O <-> H3O+ + OH- and the Kw = 10^-14, determine the concentration of OH- species after the addition of 1 mmol of HCl to 1 L of neutral water.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences