Why is the first ionization energy for sodium smaller than the second?

Pechy · Jun 7, 2006

WHy is the first ionization energy for sodium much smaller than the secon ionization energy for sodium? i don't understand this.

Hootenanny · Jun 7, 2006

Hi there Pechy and welcome to PF,

Why do you think it is? Think about shell configuration and atomic charge.

lightgrav · Jun 8, 2006

Shell configuration ??
Atomic charge total is zero ... the ionized sodium is a positive ION.

THAT is the main reason the second electron is much harder to remove ...
for ANY object, not just a sodium atom/ion.

Why is the first ionization energy for sodium smaller than the second?

Discussion

A very simple moments question

Expansion or compression -- which is more energy efficient?

What force causes precession?

Simple kinematics problem — falling from a geostationary satellite

Why does a fan cool you in a sealed room if it adds heat?

Insights Revisiting the Velocity-Time Function

Insights Remote Operated Gate Control System

Insights AI Enriched Problem Solving

Insights Thinking Outside The Box Versus Knowing What’s In The Box

Insights Why Entangled Photon-Polarization Qubits Violate Bell’s Inequality

Insights Quantum Entanglement is a Kinematic Fact, not a Dynamical Effect

Why is the first ionization energy for sodium smaller than the second?

Discussion

Similar threads

Undergrad Understanding First Ionization Energy for Diatomic Gases