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

18178 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does lithium have a higher melting point than sodium


What is Ionisation Energy and the three factors that affect it? 2)State and explain the general trend in first ionisation energies for the Period 3 elements.


An aldehyde CH3CH2CH2CHO reacts with potassium cyanide (KCN) to form a racemic mixture of two stereoisomers of CH3CH2CH2CH(OH)CN. A)Explain why a racemic mixture is formed and b)describe how you would distinguish between 2 samples of the stereoisomers


What is electronegativity?


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