Describe the difference in melting points for the elements Sodium and Magnesium

With these sort of questions, it's important to firstly think about what type of bonds make up the structure of the element. For this example, they both have metallic bonds which hold the structures together. Now we have to think about which what metallic bonds are and which element has the stronger bonds which will ultimately determine the melting point.
Metallic bonds can be defined as the attraction between positive metal cations and the delocalised electrons which flow through its structure. Sodium will delocalise 1 electron per atom (Na+) and Magnesium will delocalise 2 electrons per atom (Mg2+). Because magnesium has a greater charge, there will be greater attraction between delocalised electrons and the positively charged ions and so more energy will be needed to overcome this attraction. Magnesium will have a higher melting point than sodium.

Answered by Myles S. Chemistry tutor

14438 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

The shape around the oxygen atom in butan-2-ol is non linear. Predict the shape and angle of the C-O-H bond giving explanations


Describe two different test tube reactions to identify the following organic compounds: propanal and benzoic acid.


At what temperature does the reaction become feasible? When ΔH = 492.7 kJmol^-1 and ΔS = 542.6 JK^-1mol^-1.


Compare the basic ability between ammonia, ethyl amine and phenyl amine.


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences