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Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 3 in the current curriculum.
Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 17:
How would you explain the fact that the first ionization enthalpy of sodium is lower than that of magnesium but its second ionization enthalpy is higher than that of magnesium?
. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.How would you explain the fact that the first ionization enthalpy of sodium is lower than that of magnesium but its second ionization enthalpy is higher than that of magnesium?
Sodium is the 2nd member of group I (alkali metals) & magnesium is the 2nd member of group II (alkaline earth metals). The first ionization enthalpy of sodium is more than that of magnesium. This is primarily because of smaller size & more symmetrical electronic configuration.For these reasons, the energy required to remove an electron from magnesium is more than the energy required in sodium. Hence, the first ionization enthalpy of sodium is lower than that of magnesium.
However, the second ionization enthalpy of sodium is higher than that of magnesium. This is because after losing 1 electron, sodium attains the stable noble gas configuration of neon (1s22s22p6) . On the other hand, magnesium, after losing 1 electron still has one electron in the 3s-orbital(1s2 2s22p63s1). In order to attain the stable noble gas configuration, it still has to lose one more electron. Thus, the energy required to remove the second electron in case of sodium is much higher than that required in case of magnesium. Hence, the second ionization enthalpy of sodium is higher than that of magnesium.
The first (ΔiH1) and the second (ΔiH) ionization enthalpies (in kJ mol–1) and the (ΔegH) electron gain enthalpy (in kJ mol–1) of a few elements are given below:
| Elements | ΔiH1 | ΔiH | ΔegH |
| I | 520 | 7300 | -60 |
| II | 419 | 3051 | -48 |
| III | 1681 | 3374 | -328 |
| IV | 1008 | 1846 | -295 |
| V | 2372 | 5251 | +48 |
| VI | 738 | 1451 | -40 |
Which of the above elements is likely to be :
(a) the least reactive element.
(b) the most reactive metal.
(c) the most reactive non-metal.
(d) the least reactive non-metal.
(e) the metal which can form a stable binary halide of the formula MX2, (X=halogen).
(f) the metal which can form a predominantly stable covalent halide of the formula MX (X=halogen)?
NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:
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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 17: How would you explain the fact that the first ionization enthalpy of sodium is lower than that of ma....
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Comments
Krtnkk explained
Nice explanation but first line
Where is my previous comment
Tks for the answer sir. Plzz crct the first line in the second paragraph and republish it
Thank you but explain me please in terms of penetration effect
1st line is wrong.... Please correct it.