Why is the Mg2+ ion smaller in radius than the Na+ ion?

The magnesium ion is in group two of the periodic table, whereas sodium is in group one. This means that magnesium has one more proton than the sodium ion, so it has a more positive core. Both ions have the same electron configuration, so the magnesium ion has more protons pulling the same amount of electrons as the sodium ion. This means that the more positive nucleus attracts magnesium's outer shell negative electrons, much more strongly than the sodium nucleus, hence magnesiums smaller ionic radius.

OD

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

The equilibrium N2O4 (g) -->--< 2NO2 (g) is set up when N2O4 dissociates. When 0.0370 moles of N2O4 dissociates at 25 degrees in a 0.5dm3 sealed container, 0.0310 moles of N2O4 remains at equilibrium. Calculate the value of Kc for this reaction.


Explain why Xenon had a lower first ionisation enthalpy than Neon. (3 marks)


Explain the trends in reactivity as you move down group one elements.


How does a acid buffer work?