Ask your own question, for FREE!
Chemistry 18 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

Why does Li have a larger first ionization energy than Na

OpenStudy (preetha):

Well, think of it this way. What is ionization energy? Its the energy needed to knock off an electron from an atom. So what holds the electron to the atom? The positive pull of the nucleus. So what affects the positive pull. If you had two electrons, one close to the nucleus and one further away, and with lots of electrons in the middle, where would the pull be more? In the smaller atom. So ....?

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!