2.5 explaining trends

Question 1

How can you explain trends in reactivity?

Answer 1

As you go down a group in terms of the attraction between electrons in the Altem shell and the nucleus

Question 2

What does electrostatic attraction depend on?

Answer 2

• The distance between the outermost electrons and the nucleus
• The number of occupied in a shells (energy levels) of electrons, which provide a shielding effect
• The size of the positive charge on the nucleus (called the nuclear charge)

Question 3

How do you decide how easy it is for atoms to lose or gain electrons from the outmost shell?

Answer 3

By taking the three key factors into account

Question 4

What happened to the increased nuclear charge in an atom?

Answer 4

Due to extra protons in the nucleus, going down a group is outrage by the other two factors

Question 5

What happens to the electrons in a larger atom?

Answer 5

In larger atoms the electrons are easier to lose going down a group and harder for them to gain going down a group

Question 6

What is the electric static attraction depend on (simplified)?

Answer 6

• The size of the atom
• The shielding effect of the inner electrons
• The nuclear charge