how does the atomic radii of magnesium differ from that of calcium then explain your answer
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Explanation:
Explanation:
In order to answer this question, let us write the electron configuration of each element:
11
N
a
:
1
s
2
2
s
2
2
p
6
3
s
1
12
M
g
:
1
s
2
2
s
2
2
p
6
3
s
2
20
C
a
:
1
s
2
2
s
2
2
p
6
3
s
2
3
p
6
4
s
2
Looking at the electron configuration we conclude that:
Magnesium atom is smaller than sodium atom because the nuclear charge of Magnesium (
12
+
) is higher than that of Sodium (
11
+
). Magnesium nucleus will attract the electrons more toward it and therefore, shrinking the size of the atom.
Magnesium atom is smaller than Calcium atom because Calcium has more electron (
20
e
−
) which will occupy more energy levels (
n
=
4
for Calcium versus
n
=
3
for Magnesium).
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