MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #967

A student observes that sodium's first ionization energy is lower than magnesium's. What atomic property explains this trend?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #967

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A student observes that sodium's first ionization energy is lower than magnesium's. What atomic property explains this trend?

    • A) Increased effective nuclear charge in Mg
    • B) Greater electron shielding in Mg
    • C) Smaller atomic radius in Na
    • D) Higher electron density in Na

    Answer: Increased effective nuclear charge in Mg

    Explanation: Mg's higher effective nuclear charge attracts electrons more strongly. Shielding (B) increases with atomic number but isn't decisive here.