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

17228 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why sulfur deviates from the general trend in ionisation energies across period 3.


Can you explain what stoichometry actually is and why the ratio is not the same as the number of moles?


Why is phenol more reactive than benzene?


Explain why longer chain alkanes have a higher boiling point than shorter chains.


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