Electron Structure and the Periodic Table

Question 1

What is a period and what does this tell us about an element

Answer 1

Horizontal row of elements in the periodic table, tells us number of shells

Question 2

What is a group and what do elements in the same group share

Answer 2

Vertical column of elements in the periodic table, elements in same group have similar properties as have same outer electron configuration

Question 3

What is the s block and what does it tell us about an element

Answer 3

Comprised of reactive metals(group 1 and 2), outermost electron is in an s orbital in the outer shell

Question 4

What is the p block

Answer 4

Comprises elements in groups 3,4,5,6,7 and 0 -last electron goes into p orbital in outer shell

Question 5

What is the d block

Answer 5

Rectangle of transition metals, outer electron goes into d orbital on outer shell

Question 6

What is the f block

Answer 6

Placed below main table in a low rectangle across periods 6 and 7, all metals, outermost electron is in an f orbital on outer shell

Question 7

What happens to difference in energy between energy levels as distance increases from nucleus and what does this mean for the fourth shell

Answer 7

Difference in energy decreases, means there is an overlap between orbitals of 3d and 4s, means you fill 4s before 3d

Question 8

Which electrons are lost first when an atom is ionised, one’s in 4s or 3d

Answer 8

Electrons in 4s orbital are lost first as although it is lower in energy it is the outer orbital

Question 9

Why do chromium and copper fill 3d before 4s

Answer 9

Half filled and filled sub shells are more stable meaning 3d5 and 3d10 are more stable than filling 4s first

Question 10

What does the reactivity of an element depend on

Answer 10

The number of electrons in its outer shell and how strongly they are held by the nuclear charge