Question Details

Given below are two statements:


Statement I: First I.E order: Na > Mg > Al


Statement II: Third I.E order: Mg > Al > Na

Options

A

Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

B

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

C

Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

D

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A

Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

Solution :

To determine the correctness of the given statements, let us analyze the first and third ionization energies (I.E.) of Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), and Aluminum (Al).

1. Analysis of Statement I (First Ionization Energy, I.E1):
The electronic configurations of the neutral gaseous atoms are:
Na : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
Mg : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2
Al : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p1

• Sodium (Na) has only one electron in its valence shell (3s1), which can be removed very easily. Therefore, it has the lowest I.E1 among the three elements.
• Magnesium (Mg) has a fully-filled, stable valence shell configuration (3s2).
• Aluminum (Al) has the configuration 3s2 3p1. The electron is to be removed from the 3p subshell, which is higher in energy and experiences more shielding than the 3s electrons in Mg. Consequently, it is easier to remove an electron from Al than from Mg.

Thus, the correct first ionization energy order is:
Na < Al < Mg
Therefore, Statement I (Na > Mg > Al) is incorrect.

2. Analysis of Statement II (Third Ionization Energy, I.E3):
To determine the third ionization energy, we look at the electronic configurations of the divalent cations (M2+), from which the third electron is removed:
Na2+ : 1s2 2s2 2p5
Mg2+ : 1s2 2s2 2p6 (Noble gas configuration)
Al2+ : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1

• For Mg2+, the third electron must be removed from a highly stable, closed-shell noble gas configuration (2p6). This requires an exceptionally large amount of energy. Thus, Mg has the highest I.E3.
• For Na2+, the electron is removed from the 2p subshell (principle quantum number n = 2).
• For Al2+, the electron is removed from the valence 3s subshell (principle quantum number n = 3), which is further from the nucleus and shielded by the inner shells. Hence, it is much easier to remove than the 2p electron of Na2+.

Thus, the correct third ionization energy order is:
Mg > Na > Al
Therefore, Statement II (Mg > Al > Na) is also incorrect.

Conclusion:
Since both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect, the correct option is "Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect".

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