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Use of the Data Booklet is relevant to this question - CIE - A-Level Chemistry - Question 15 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 15
Use of the Data Booklet is relevant to this question. Which row correctly compares the electrical conductivity and first ionisation energy of magnesium and aluminiu... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Use of the Data Booklet is relevant to this question - CIE - A-Level Chemistry - Question 15 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which row correctly compares the electrical conductivity and first ionisation energy of magnesium and aluminium?
Answer
To answer this question, it is essential to understand the properties of magnesium and aluminium.
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Electrical Conductivity:
- Aluminium is known for its high electrical conductivity, primarily due to its atomic structure which allows for free movement of electrons.
- Magnesium, while a conductor, has lower conductivity compared to aluminium due to its lower number of free electrons.
- Therefore, aluminium has higher electrical conductivity than magnesium.
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First Ionisation Energy:
- First ionisation energy is the energy required to remove the outermost electron from an atom.
- Generally, ionisation energy decreases down a group in the periodic table and increases across a period. Since magnesium is located below aluminium in the periodic table, it has a lower ionisation energy than aluminium.
- Hence, aluminium has a higher first ionisation energy than magnesium.
With these points in mind, the correct answer is B: aluminium (higher electrical conductivity), magnesium (higher first ionisation energy).