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

24782 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

(i) What property does Magnesium Oxide have that makes it useful to create heat-resistant bricks to line furnaces? (ii) Explain why H2S exists as a gas and H2O exists as a liquid (at r.t.p).


Why is there a difference in mechanism between tertiary halogenoalkanes and primary halogenoalkanes in nucleophilic substitution?


Explain electrophilic aromatic substitution?


why does silicon dioxide have such a high melting/boiling point?


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