18 flashcards · Shared on 19 August 2026 by AtomAI Library
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What generally happens to atomic radius from left to right across a period?
It decreases because effective nuclear charge increases
What generally happens to atomic radius from left to right across a period?
It decreases because effective nuclear charge increases
Why does atomic radius generally increase down a group?
The number of occupied electron shells increases
What is first ionization energy?
The energy required to remove one electron from each atom in one mole of gaseous atoms
What is the general trend in first ionization energy across a period?
It increases because nuclear attraction to the outer electron generally becomes stronger
Why does first ionization energy generally decrease down a group?
Outer electrons experience greater shielding and are farther from the nucleus
What does electronegativity measure?
An atom's ability to attract the bonding electrons in a covalent bond
How does electronegativity generally change across a period from left to right?
It increases as effective nuclear charge increases and atomic radius decreases
What is the general electronegativity trend down a group?
It decreases because bonding electrons are farther from the nucleus and more shielded
Which statement best describes metallic character across a period from left to right?
It generally decreases as atoms hold their outer electrons more strongly
How does metallic character generally change down a group?
It increases because outer electrons are generally lost more easily
What is electron shielding in an atom?
The repulsion from inner electrons that reduces the nuclear attraction felt by outer electrons
Across a period, why does effective nuclear charge on valence electrons generally increase?
Proton number increases while shielding changes relatively little
Among main-group elements in the same group, what feature usually explains their similar chemical properties?
They have the same number of valence electrons
How does the reactivity of Group 1 metals generally change down the group?
It increases because the outer electron is removed more easily
How does the reactivity of the halogens generally change down Group 17?
It decreases because attraction for an incoming electron becomes weaker
How does the radius of a typical cation compare with that of its neutral atom?
The cation is smaller because electron loss reduces repulsion and may remove an outer shell
How does the radius of a typical anion compare with that of its neutral atom?
The anion is larger because added electrons increase electron-electron repulsion
What does the period number indicate for a main-group element in its ground state?
The highest occupied main electron shell