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Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends

Jamie Z 2024-05-28

Learning Goals

  • Recognise that the structure of the periodic table reflects recurring patterns in properties of elements.

Electron configuration

  1. Electron configuration in the same groups have the same number of electrons in its valencene
  2. Electron configurations in the same period increase valence electrons by one

Electron Sheilding

  • Electron shielding occurs in atoms with more than one electorn shell
  • The inner electrons will shield the outer electrons from the nucleus, reducing the attraction between nucleus and proton

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Electrostatic Attraction

  • Attraction between the electrons and protons in the atom

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Trends

  • Down a group the electron shielding increases as there are more shells to shield the valance from the nucleus
  • Across a period the electron shielding stays the same as the inner shells stay the same, and only valance electrons are added
  • Down a group the electrostatic attraction decreases because there are more inner shells, and the increase in electron shielding results in a decrease in attraction
  • Across a period the electrostatic attraction increases as the number of inner shells does not change. There is an increase in protons which results in electrons having a greater attraction.