Grade 10

Grade 10Periodic table


Trends in the Periodic Table


The periodic table is an essential tool in chemistry that provides us with a lot of information about the elements. As Class 10 Chemistry students, understanding the trends in the periodic table will enhance your understanding of the chemical behaviour of the elements. The three major trends to explore include atomic radius, ionisation energy, and electronegativities. Let's dive deeper into each of these properties.

Atomic radius

The atomic radius is the distance from the center of an atom's nucleus to the outermost electron shell. This concept is important to understand because the size of an atom affects its chemical properties and reaction tendencies.

During a period

As you move from left to right across a period on the periodic table, the atomic radius decreases. This may seem surprising, so let's find out why this happens:

  • The number of protons in the nucleus increases across a period. This increased positive charge pulls the electrons closer to the nucleus.
  • Although the number of electrons also increases, they are added to the same shell and not to a new shell, so the added electrons do not increase the size of the atom appreciably.

Example: Consider elements in the second period, such as lithium (Li) and fluorine (F). Lithium has an atomic number of 3, while fluorine has 9 As you move from lithium to fluorine, the atomic radius decreases because of the increased nuclear charge.

                  ,
Li(Lithium) ----> F(Fluorine)
  <-------- decrease in atomic radius ------->

Group down

Conversely, as you move down a group in the periodic table, the atomic radius increases. This is because:

  • Going down a group means adding a new electron shell, which increases the distance between the outermost electron and the nucleus, thus increasing the size of the atom.

Example: In group 1, consider hydrogen (H) and cesium (Cs). Although hydrogen has an atomic number of 1 and cesium has an atomic number of 55, cesium is much larger because of its extra electron shell.

         ,
H(Hydrogen) -------------------------> Cs(Caesium)
  <-------- Increase in atomic radius --------->

Ionization energy

Ionization energy refers to the energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom in the gaseous state. It is an important concept because it affects an element's ability to participate in chemical reactions.

During a period

Ionization energy generally increases as you move from left to right across a period. This is because:

  • As you move across a period, the atom has more protons, which means more positive charge, which attracts electrons more strongly.
  • The greater attraction between the nucleus and the valence electron means that more energy will be required to remove it.

Example: In the second period, lithium (Li) has a lower ionization energy than neon (Ne) because the nucleus of neon holds on to the electrons more tightly due to its higher charge.

                    ,
Li(Lithium) ------> Ne(Neon)
 <--- increase in ionization energy ---->

Group down

As you go down the group, ionization energy decreases. This is because:

  • As mentioned, going down a group, more electron shells are added, which increases the distance of the valence electrons from the nucleus.
  • The increased distance weakens the attraction between the nucleus and the outermost electrons, making them easier to remove.

Example: In group 1, caesium (Cs) has a lower ionization energy than lithium (Li) due to greater shielding and distance from the nucleus.

       ,
Li(Lithium) ----------------------> Cs(Caesium)
 <--- decrease in ionization energy ---->

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is the measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons and form bonds with them. It plays an important role in determining the type of bond that forms between atoms.

During a period

Electronegativity increases as you move from left to right in a period. This is because:

  • At each pass of an element, more protons in the nucleus means more pull on the shared electrons.
  • This increased ability to attract electrons results in higher electronegativities.

Example: In the second period, lithium (Li) is less electronegative than fluorine (F), because fluorine has a greater tendency to attract electrons towards itself.

                   ,
Li(Lithium) -----> F(Fluorine)
 <---- increase in electronegativities ---->

Group down

Generally, a decrease in electronegativities is observed as we go down the group. This is because:

  • Larger atomic size means that the valence electrons are farther from the nucleus and the effective pull of the nucleus on these electrons is reduced.

Example: In group 17, fluorine (F) is more electronegative than iodine (I), because fluorine's electrons are closer to the nucleus, enabling it to attract additional electrons more effectively.

         ,
F(fluorine) ------------------> I(iodine)
 <--- decrease in electronegativities ---->

Conclusion

Understanding the trends in atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativities in the periodic table helps us predict and explain the chemical behavior of elements. This knowledge is foundational to understanding more complex topics in chemistry. Continue to explore and relate these trends as you move forward in your studies. By doing so, you will develop a more profound understanding and appreciation of the physical world around you.


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