Question

Compare the atomic sizes of sodium and magnesium. Explain. ​

Answer 1

Sodium atom is larger than Magnesium atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

Looking at the electronic configurations of Sodium and Magnesium:

`_(11)Na: 1s^2 2s^2 p^6 3s^1\\\\_(12)Mg : 1s^2 2s^2 p^6 3s^2` ,

we can see that they both have their valence electrons in the 3rd shell.

But because Magnesium has a higher nuclear charge of +12 because of its 12 protons than that of Sodium's +11, the nucleus of Magnesium attracts its outer electrons more strongly than Sodium does. This makes the Magnesium atom smaller.