Why is the Mg2+ ion smaller in radius than the Na+ ion?

To answer this we need to compare the two ions. The main difference between the two ions is the number of protons in the nucleus - Magnesium has one more proton than Sodium, however, if you look at the electron configurations of the two, they will be the same, so called isoelectronic (i.e. 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6). The higher positive charge on the nucleus in magnesium causes a stronger attraction on the negatively charged electrons ($$F \propto q_1 q_2$$), and so the ion has a smaller ionic radius.

JH

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Relationship between moles and Avogadro's constant


Explain the trend in Ionisation energy when moving across a period and down a group


Phosphorus is burned in air at 500 ºC to produce gaseous phosphorus(V) oxide. 220 g of phosphorus was reacted with an excess of air. Calculate the volume, in m3, of gaseous phosphorus(V) oxide produced


State and explain the trend in melting points of diamond, iodine and hydrogen fluoride.