Periodic Trends - AP Chemistry

Front

What is the 6s orbital?

Back

The 6s orbital is the outermost s orbital in the sixth energy level of an atom, where electrons are lost first when forming cations like Ba²⁺.

Front

Why do atoms get bigger as you move down the periodic table?

Back

Atoms get bigger because they have more energy levels, which increases the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons.

Front

Which elements are classified as alkali metals?

Back

Alkali metals include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). Calcium (Ca) is not an alkali metal.

Front

What is the trend of atomic radius across a period?

Back

The atomic radius decreases across a period due to increasing nuclear charge, which pulls electrons closer to the nucleus.

Front

What is the trend of atomic radius down a group?

Back

The atomic radius increases down a group because additional energy levels are added, increasing the distance of the outermost electrons from the nucleus.

Front

What is electronegativity?

Back

Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond.

Front

How does electronegativity change across a period?

Back

Electronegativity increases across a period due to increasing nuclear charge.

Front

How does electronegativity change down a group?

Back

Electronegativity decreases down a group because the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons increases.

Front

What is ionization energy?

Back

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom in the gas phase.

Front

How does ionization energy change across a period?

Back

Ionization energy increases across a period due to increasing nuclear charge.