Periodic Table

Some properties
Atomic radii
Ionization energy
Electron affinity
Electro negativity

Ionization energy
Ionization energy is the amount of energy
needed to remove an electron from a gaseous
atom.
First ionization energy
1+
Second ionization energy 2+
first ionization energy = energy to remove electron from
neutral atom; 2nd IE = energy to remove from +1 ion; etc.

Metallic elements easily lose electrons.

Non-metals more readily gain electrons.
How does losing or gaining an electron effect the size of the atom (ion) ?

How does ionization energy change down a group?

The first ionization energy decreases as you move down a group.
Why?
The size of the atom increases.
Electron is further from the nucleus.

How does ionization energy change across a period?

The first ionization energy increases as you move from left to
right across a period.
Why?
Nuclear charge increases while shielding is constant.
Attraction of the electron to the nucleus increases.

Factors affecting the ionization energy

1. Atomic size: In small atoms electrons remains closer to nucleus. So
more ionization energy is required to remove electron from small atoms.
Therefore, Ionization energy is inversely proportional to Atomic size

2. Nuclear charge: By increasing the nuclear charge electrons feel more nuclear
attraction. Hence more ionization energy is required.
Therefore, Ionization Energy is directly proportional to Nuclear charge.

3. Penetration Power: Tendency of becoming nearer to the nucleus is called

penetration power.
The order of penetration power of different sub-shells - s > p > d > f.
Therefore, Ionization energy is Directly proportional to Penetration Power.

4. Stability: In stable configuration we require more energy to release the electron

as compared to non stable configuration.
Therefore, Ionization energy is directly proportional to Stability.

5. Screening & Shielding effect: Presence of other orbits between nucleus and
last orbit decreases the nuclear attraction. This effect is called screening effect but
electron-electron repulsion is called shielding effect which also decreases the
nuclear attraction.

ionization energy periodic table trend

Explain Periodic Trends from
Left to Right on the table. 1st IE generally increases
across the period
effective nuclear charge increases
Top to Bottom on the table. 1st IE decreases down the
group
valence electron farther from nucleus
Consider the Number of protons in the nucleus and
The distance from the electron to the nucleus
Distance is the more important factor

Fig. Ionization Energy different with atomic #

Tro, Chemistry: A Molecular

Approach

Example 8.8 Choose the Atom in Each Pair

with the Higher First Ionization Energy
1)
2)
3)
4)

Al or S
S, Al is further left
As or Sb
Sb, Sb is further down
N or Si
Si, Si is further down & left
O or Cl? opposing trends

Tro, Chemistry: A Molecular

Approach

10

Trends in Electron Affinity

Electron Affinity : - The amount of energy associated with the gain
of electrons.
Electron Affinity is, essentially the opposite of the ionization energy.

Trends in Electron Affinity

Energy released when an neutral atom gains an electron
gas state
M(g) + 1e- M-1(g) + EA
Defined as exothermic (-), but may actually be endothermic (+)
noble gases endothermic, WHY ?
More energy released (more -); the larger the EA
Generally increases across period
becomes more negative from left to right
not absolute
lowest EA in period = alkali earth metal or noble gas
highest EA in period = halogen

Magnitude of released energy indicates the tendency of the atom to gain

an electron.
- From the data in the table the halogens clearly have a strong tendency to
become negatively charged
- Inert gases and group I & II elements have a very small Eea.

Tro, Chemistry: A Molecular

Approach

13

Practice Problems
1- When an electron is added to a nonmetal atom, is energy released or absorbed?
2- Why do nonmetal atoms have a greater electron affinity than metal atoms?
3- Arrange these elements in increasing electron affinity: Mg, N, Na, F, Cl, O, C.
4- Why are atoms with a low electron affinity more likely to lose electrons than gain
electrons?

Answer
1- Energy is released when a electron is added to a nonmetal.
2- Nonmetals have a greater electron affinity than metals because their atomic
structure allows them to gain electrons rather than lose them.
3- Na, Mg, C, N, F, Cl
4- Atoms with a low electron affinity want to give up their valence electrons because
they are further from the nucleus; as a result, they do not have a strong pull on
the valence electrons.

5- As you move down a group of the periodic table, does electron affinity increase
or decrease, if so, why?
6- Why do nonmetals want to gain electrons ?
7- Why do metals have a low electron affinity ?

Answer
5- As you move down a group on the periodic table, electron affinity decreases.
First, the electrons are placed in energy levels further away from the nucleus,
secondly, the atom does not want gain electrons because there is minimal charge on
the outer energy levels from the nucleus; and lastly, the shielding effect increases,
causing repulsion between the electrons.
6- Nonmetals want to gain electrons because they have more valence electrons
than metals, so it is easier for them to gain electrons than lose the valance electrons
to fulfill a stable octet.
7- Metals have a low electron affinity (a less likely chance to gain electrons)
because they want to give up their valence electrons rather than gain electrons,
which require more energy than necessary.

Electronegativity
Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a
bonding pair of electrons.

When electrons are shared by two atoms a covalent bond is

formed.
When the atoms are the same they pull on the electrons
equally. Example, H-H.
When the atoms are different, the atoms pull on the electrons
unevenly. Example, HCl

Electronegativity: the ability of an atom in a bond to pull

on the electron. (Linus Pauling)

Electronegativity
Pulings electronegativity scale

Electronegativity
Paulings electronegativity scale

The higher the value, the more electronegative the element

Fluorine is the most electronegative element

It has an electronegativity value of 4.0

H
2.1

He
-

Li
1.0

Be
1.5

B
2.0

C
2.5

N
3.0

O
3.5

F
4.0

Ne
-

Na
0.9

Mg
1.2

Al
1.5

Si
1.8

P
2.1

S
2.5

Cl
3.0

Ar
-

Electronegativity
Electronegativity generally decreases as you move down a group.
Electronegativity of the representative elements (Group A
elements) increases as you move across a period.

Increase in electronegativity
Decrease
H
2.1
Li
1.0
Na
0.9
K
0.8

Be
1.5
Mg
1.2
Al
1.0

B
2.0

C
2.5

N
3.0

O
3.5

F
4.0

He
Ne
-

Al
1.5

Si
1.8

P
2.1

S
2.5

Cl
3.0

Ar
-

Electronegativities of
Some Elements
Note
Element
F
Cl
O
N
S
C
H
Na
Cs

Pauling scale
4.0
Most electronegative element is F
3.0
(EN 4.0)
3.5
3.0
2.5
Least electronegative stable element is Cs
(EN 0.7)
2.5
2.1
0.9
0.7

Nuclear charge increases

Shielding increases
Atomic radius increases
Ionic size increases
Ionization energy decreases
Electronegativity decreases

Summary
Shielding is constant
Atomic Radius decreases
Ionization energy increases
Electronegativity increases
Nuclear charge increases