Which of Na+ and Mg2+ is the smaller ion. Explain your answer. (2 marks)

Mg2+ is the smaller ion. (1 mark) Mg2+ has a larger nuclear charge than Na+ and has the same number of electrons. (1 mark)

Further explaination: Magnesium is further along the period than sodium is which means that the electrostatic attraction between the valence electrons and the nucleus is greater than that of sodium and the relative nuclear charge for a 2+ ion is larger than that of a 1+ ion.

JH
Answered by Joseph H. Chemistry tutor

7743 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a nucleophile and an electrophile?


what is entropy in terms of disorder?


Calculate the empirical formula of a compound containing 77.7% Iron and 22.3% of oxygen.


What is entropy and how is it used in chemistry?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences