Explain why the first ionisation energy of Al is less than that of Mg?

The outer electron on aluminium is removed from the 3p sub-level, whereas the outer electron on magnesium is removed from the 3s sub-level.The 3p sub-level is higher in energy than the 3s sub-level.Aluminium's outer electron is further away from the nucleus and less attracted to the nucleus.This means less energy is needed to remove the electron from aluminium.

Answered by Chemistry tutor

26801 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Order the relative base strength of phenyl amine, methyl amine and methylphenyl amine and outline your reasoning.


How do I balance redox equations in acidic reactions, without trial and error, using half equations?


An iron-alloy nail (2.41g) is dissolved in 100cm3 acid. 10cm3 portions of this solution are titrated with KMnO4 (0.02M) and 9.80cm3 of KMnO4 was needed to react with iron solution. What % of iron by mass is in the nail?


3-Methylpent-2-ene (CH3CH=C(CH3)CH2CH3) reacts with Hydrogen Chloride(HCl) forming a major and minor product. Please name the reaction, draw the mechanism for the formation of the major product and briefly explain why there is a major and a minor product.


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