Periodic trends in atomic properties

(i) Explain why Rb has a lower first ionization energy than strontium, Sr. (ii) Outline why Rb has a lower electronegativity than potassium, K.

Naturally occurring gallium consists of two isotopes: 60 % of the atoms contain 38 neutrons and the remaining 40 % contain 40 neutrons. (i) Use section 7 of the data booklet to deduce the nuclear symbol of the heavier isotope. (ii) Calculate the relative…

Which of these compounds has the weakest ionic bond? A. $\ce{SrO}$ B. $\ce{BaO}$ C. $\ce{SrS}$ D. $\ce{BaS}$

Why is the first ionization energy of sulfur greater than that of magnesium? A. The outer electrons of sulfur are further from the nucleus. B. Sulfur atoms have more occupied main energy levels. C. Sulfur atoms have a greater nuclear charge, while the…

Phosphorus occurs as the atom and as several ions. In which row are the species arranged from the smallest radius to the largest? A. $\ce{P^{3-}}$, $\ce{P}$, $\ce{P^{3+}}$, $\ce{P^{5+}}$ B. $\ce{P^{5+}}$, $\ce{P^{3+}}$, $\ce{P}$, $\ce{P^{3-}}$ C. $\ce{P}$,…

Which statement explains why the atomic radius decreases across period 3 from magnesium, Mg, to sulfur, S? A. The number of occupied main energy levels increases B. The shielding effect of the inner electrons decreases C. The number of protons in the nucleus…

(i) The boxes for the 1s and 2s orbitals of a sulfur atom are shown below. Draw the remaining orbitals needed for its ground-state electron configuration, filling and labelling each one. Use section 7 of the data booklet. (ii) For a sulfur atom, sketch the…

Titanium is not included in the graph. Use sections 9 and 10 of the data booklet to find its atomic radius and first ionization energy, and annotate the graph with a cross (X) at the position of the data point for titanium.

Suggest what causes the two quantities in the graph to be related in this way.

The data show that the first ionization energy and the atomic radius are related. (i) State what kind of relationship links the two variables. (ii) Compare and contrast the trends observed for the three groups.

The first ionization energies of four elements with consecutive atomic numbers, A, B, C and D, are shown. An element X reacts with oxygen to form an acidic oxide. Which element could be X? A. A B. B C. C D. D

Lithium can be identified in the light emitted by stars and by flames containing lithium compounds. (i) Outline the appearance of the emission spectrum of lithium. The emission spectrum of a one-electron species, such as the $\ce{Li^2+}$ ion, can be explained…