How would you explain the fact that the first ionisation enthalpy of sodium is lower than that of magnesium,but its second ionisation enthalpy is higher than that of magnesium?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The electronic configuration of $Na$ is $[Ne] 3s^1$ and $Mg$ is $[Ne] 3s^2$.
Since $Na$ has only one electron in its outermost shell,it is easier to remove the first electron from $Na$ than from $Mg$,which has a stable fully-filled $3s^2$ configuration. Thus,the first ionisation enthalpy of $Na$ is lower than that of $Mg$.
After the removal of the first electron,$Na^+$ attains the stable noble gas configuration of $Ne$ $(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6)$. Removing the second electron from $Na^+$ requires breaking this stable octet,which is very difficult.
In contrast,$Mg^+$ has the configuration $[Ne] 3s^1$. Removing the second electron from $Mg^+$ is easier because it leads to the stable noble gas configuration of $Ne$. Therefore,the second ionisation enthalpy of $Na$ is significantly higher than that of $Mg$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

From the ground state electronic configuration of the elements given below,pick up the one with the highest value of second ionization energy.

The incorrect statement among the following is:

Difficult
View Solution

Which among the following species has the highest ionisation potential?

Suppose a gaseous mixture of $He$, $Ne$, $Ar$ and $Kr$ is treated with photons of the frequency appropriate to ionize $Ar$. What ion$(s)$ will be present in the mixture?

The third ionization energy is maximum for

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo