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

The magnesium ion is in group two of the periodic table, whereas sodium is in group one. This means that magnesium has one more proton than the sodium ion, so it has a more positive core. Both ions have the same electron configuration, so the magnesium ion has more protons pulling the same amount of electrons as the sodium ion. This means that the more positive nucleus attracts magnesium's outer shell negative electrons, much more strongly than the sodium nucleus, hence magnesiums smaller ionic radius.

OD
Answered by Olivia D. Chemistry tutor

18877 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

electron arrangement in atoms


What is a Sodium Potassium Pump? How does it work?


Explain how CH3CH2CHO can react with a Grignard reagent to produce CH3CH2CH(OH)CH2CH3. State the reagents and give the mechanism.


In the presence of ultraviolet light, ethane and chlorine react to give a mixture of products. What are the products of this reaction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning