Question

Which is easier to remove: a valence electron from, Li or Na? Explain why.

Answer 1

The atomic number of Li is 3

Electron configuration of Li : 1s² 2s¹

The atomic number of Na is 11

Electron configuration of Na : 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹

Thus there is one electron in the valence shell of Li (2s¹) and that of Na (3s¹). However, the valence electron in Na is in a shell that is farther away from the nucleus compared to that of Li. As a result, the Na valence electron will be held less tightly by the nucleus i.e. it will experience a reduced nuclear attraction and can be removed easily than the Li 2s electron.