Aluminum has a smaller first ionization energy than magnesium. Which is the best explanation for thi — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question
Question
Aluminum has a smaller first ionization energy than magnesium. Which is the best explanation for this observation?
A.
Al has an odd number of electrons, while Mg has an even number of electrons.
B.
Al has more valence electrons than Mg.
C.✓ Correct
The highest-energy electron in Al has less electron density near the nucleus than the highest-energy electron in Mg.
D.
The highest-energy electron in Al is on average farther from the nucleus than the highest-energy electron in Mg.
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