Explain why the second ionisation energy of Magnesium is lower than the second ionisation energy of Sodium.

For the 2nd IE of Na an electron is being removed from the 2p subshell.For the 2nd IE of Mg an electron is being removed from the 3s subshell.It requires more energy to remove an electron from a lower energy shell. The shielding on the electron is greater in Mg+.

NR
Answered by NATHAN R. Chemistry tutor

16963 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why hydrogen bromide has a higher boiling point than hydrogen chloride.


What are the 3 main types of chemical bonding? Give definitions of them.


Why does the first ionisation energy generally increase across a period? Explain why there are dips in energy between groups 2 and 3 and groups 5 and 6?


How do mass spectrometers work?


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