Question

How are the electron arrangements in a given group (vertical column) of the periodic table related? How is this relationship manifested in the properties of the elements in the given group?

Short answer

In the periodic table, elements in the same group (vertical column) have the same number of valence electrons, which are crucial for determining their chemical properties and reactivity. This electron arrangement also influences the elements' periodic properties, such as atomic radii, ionization energy, and electron affinity. As a result, elements within a given group have similar chemical properties and bonding tendencies. For example, halogens (Group 7) are highly reactive and strong oxidizing agents due to their seven valence electrons, and their reactivity decreases down the group because of increasing atomic size.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the electron arrangement in the periodic table

In the periodic table, elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, and their electron configuration determines their position within the table. Elements within the same group (vertical column) have the same number of electrons in their outermost energy level, also known as valence electrons. This similarity in electron arrangement results in elements within the same group sharing similar chemical properties.

Learn about valence electrons and chemical properties

Valence electrons are crucial for determining the properties of an element, as they are involved in forming chemical bonds with other elements. Elements within the same group have the same number of valence electrons, which means they will have similar tendencies to form chemical bonds and will show similar reactivity. For example, all Group 1 elements (also known as alkali metals) have one valence electron in their outermost shell. This makes them highly reactive, as they readily lose this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration resembling that of an inert gas. This reactivity manifests in these metals forming strong ionic bonds, readily reacting with water, and creating strong alkaline compounds.

Understand the relationship between group and periodic properties

Apart from reactivity, elements within a particular group of the periodic table also share similar periodic properties like atomic radii, ionization energy, and electron affinity. These similar properties are because of the electron configuration in their outermost shell, which affects various aspects of the element's behavior. For example, as you move down a group in the periodic table, the atomic radius generally increases, as more electron shells are added with each subsequent element. Similarly, the ionization energy and electron affinity generally decrease, as it is easier to remove an electron from, or add an electron to, an outer shell that is farther away from the positively charged nucleus. These periodic properties help explain trends in chemical reactivity and other characteristics of elements within a given group.

Example of how the relationship is manifested in properties

An example of how the electron arrangement in a given group of the periodic table relates to the properties of its elements is the halogens (Group 7 elements). These elements have seven valence electrons, which means they are highly reactive and generally form covalent bonds. They usually gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, making them strong oxidizing agents. The reactivity of halogens decreases as we move down the group, displaying a clear relationship between electron arrangement and element properties. This decrease in reactivity is due to an increase in atomic size, which makes it progressively more difficult for the outermost electron to be attracted to the nucleus and makes the element less likely to gain an electron from other atoms. As a result, halogens such as fluorine (F) are significantly more reactive than iodine (I). In conclusion, the electron arrangements in a given group of the periodic table are closely related, with elements in the same group having the same number of valence electrons. This relationship significantly impacts the properties of these elements, influencing their reactivity, atomic radii, ionization energy, electron affinity, and other characteristics.