Periodic Trends

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What are periodic trends in chemistry?

Specific patterns in the periodic table that illustrate different aspects of certain elements when grouped by period and/or group.

Who discovered periodic trends?

Dmitri Mendeleev

List some major periodic trends.

Atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity, valency, and metallic character.

Why do periodic trends exist?

Because of the similar electron configurations of the elements within their respective groups or periods. Signup and view all the answers

What does atomic radius represent?

The distance from the atomic nucleus to the outermost electron orbital in an atom. Signup and view all the answers

What are the major periodic trends and why do they exist?

The major periodic trends are atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity, valency, and metallic character. These trends exist because of the similar electron configurations of the elements within their respective groups or periods. Signup and view all the answers

How does atomic radius change across a period and down a group?

Atomic radius decreases as we move from left to right in a period and increases as we go down a group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of atomic radius?

Atomic radius is the distance from the atomic nucleus to the outermost electron orbital in an atom. Signup and view all the answers

Why does atomic radius decrease across a period?

Atomic radius decreases across a period because the effective nuclear charge increases, pulling the electrons closer to the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

Why does atomic radius increase down a group?

Atomic radius increases down a group because there are more energy levels or shells, resulting in a larger atomic size. Signup and view all the answers

What are periodic trends?

Specific patterns in the periodic table that illustrate different aspects of certain elements when grouped by period and/or group.

Who discovered periodic trends?

Dmitri Mendeleev

What are some major periodic trends?

Atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity, valency, and metallic character.

Why do periodic trends exist?

Because of the similar electron configurations of the elements within their respective groups or periods.