Questions A trend is an observation, NOT an explanation! It is fine to state the trend itself, but you must also go further by explaining what causes the observed trend. Remember, these trends emerge as a result of a pattern in element properties. Think hard about the change in atomic structure as one moves across and down the Periodic Table!
After you have completed the graphs above, answer the following questions in your lab write-up:
1. Based on your graphs, what is the trend in atomic radius across a period? Down a group? Using your knowledge of atomic structure, what is the explanation for this trend?
2. Based on your graphs, what is the trend in ionization energy across a period? Down a group? Using your knowledge of atomic structure, what is the explanation for this trend?
3. Based on your graph, what is the trend in electronegativity across a period? Down a group? Using your knowledge of atomic structure, what is the explanation for this trend?
4. Based on your graph, what is the trend in ionic radius across a period? Down a group?
5. Compare the graphs for ionic and atomic radii.
a. In general, what happens to metals when they form an ion?
b. What happens to nonmetals when they form an ion?
c. How does this information support the trends you see?
6. For each Periodic Table trend explored in this lab activity, hypothesize the element that has the greatest value and the smallest value. Justify your answers.
7. Using an activity series, what can you deduce about the relationship between ionization energy and reactivity of metals? Why do you think the relationship you see in the graph is contradictory to what you understand about the activity series?
8. Write a short summary of your conclusions for this activity.