Periodic Table Trends Quiz

Structure of the Periodic Table

• The periodic table is organized by atomic number (number of protons in an atom's nucleus) and electron configuration
• Elements with similar electron configurations and chemical properties are placed in the same group (vertical column) of the periodic table
• The periodic table is divided into periods (horizontal rows) and groups (vertical columns) to show recurring patterns of elements' properties

Trends Across Periods and Down Groups

• Atomic radius decreases from left to right across a period due to increased nuclear charge
• Electronegativity increases from left to right across a period as atoms become smaller and more electronegative
• Reactivity increases down a group due to the addition of energy levels and decrease in ionization energy
• Metals become more reactive down a group as they lose electrons more easily
• Nonmetals become less reactive down a group as they gain electrons more easily

Ionisation Energy and Electron Configuration

• Successive ionisation energy data shows a significant increase when an electron is removed from a full energy level or subshell
• Ionisation energy decreases down a group as electrons become easier to remove due to added energy levels
• Electron configuration determines the energy level and subshell of electrons, influencing ionisation energy values
• Ionisation energy data can be used to infer an atom's electron configuration