Which one of the following alternatives lists the atoms of chlorine, magnesium, neon and phosphorus in order of increasing first ionisation energy?
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 18 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 18
Which one of the following alternatives lists the atoms of chlorine, magnesium, neon and phosphorus in order of increasing first ionisation energy?
A. (smallest) Mg,... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which one of the following alternatives lists the atoms of chlorine, magnesium, neon and phosphorus in order of increasing first ionisation energy?
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 18 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
(smallest) Mg, P, Cl, Ne (largest)
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Answer
To determine the order of increasing first ionisation energy for the given elements, we consider their positions in the periodic table.
Magnesium (Mg): Located in Group 2, it has a low ionisation energy due to its tendency to lose two electrons easily.
Phosphorus (P): Being in Group 15, it has higher ionisation energy than magnesium as it is further along the periodic table and has more protons, thus a stronger attraction to its electrons.
Chlorine (Cl): Found in Group 17, chlorine has a higher ionisation energy than both magnesium and phosphorus due to its increased nuclear charge.
Neon (Ne): As a noble gas in Group 18, neon has the highest ionisation energy due to its complete valence shell and stability, making it very reluctant to lose electrons.
Thus, the correct order in increasing first ionisation energy is: Mg < P < Cl < Ne.
Step 2
(smallest) Ne, Cl, P, Mg (largest)
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Answer
This order is incorrect as neon is a noble gas and would not participate in losing electrons easily compared to the others.
Step 3
(smallest) Cl, Mg, Ne, P (largest)
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Answer
This order misplaces the ionisation energies. Chlorine and magnesium cannot be compared in this manner.
Step 4
(smallest) P, Mg, Cl, Ne (largest)
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Answer
This order also does not follow the proper arrangement based on the periodic trends in ionisation energy.