Relationship between the electron arrangement of the atom of an element to its group and period

The number of valence electrons determines the chemical properties of elements (group). Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons. The number of shells occupied with electrons in an atom determines the period number of an element. Group 1 Group 2 Beryllium / Be / 2.2 Magnesium / Mg / 2.8.2

Period 2 Period 3 Period 4

Lithium / Li / 2.1 Sodium / Na / 2.8.1

Potassium / K / 2.8.8.1 Calcium / Ca / 2.8.8.2

Group 18 elements

Group 18 elements are known as noble gases (inert chemically and chemically unreactive). Atomic radius (atomic size) increases (going down the group) Helium atom has only one filled electron shell which is 2 electrons (duplet electron arrangement) The outermost shell of the atoms (Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe and Rn) have 8 electrons (octet electron arrangement) Atoms of noble gases do not release electrons, accept electrons or share electrons. Electron arrangement of atom 2.8 2.8.8 2.8.18.18.8 2.8.18.32.18.8

Element Neon / Ne Argon / Ar Xenon / Xe Radon / Rn

Helium / He 2

Krypton / Kr 2.8.18.8

Physical properties Monoatomic gases Colourless gas at room temperature Insoluble in water Cannot conduct electricity Poor conductors of heat Melting point and boiling point increases (going down the group) atomic size increases and force of attraction between atoms of each element become stronger Density of element increases (going down the group) Chemically inert / not reactive / non-flammable do not gain, lose or share electrons with other elements Uses Chemical properties

Helium airships, weather balloons, cool down metals Neon advertising light bulb Argon welding, filled light bulbs Krypton used in laser, filled photographic flash lamps Radon treat cancer

Group 1 elements

Group 1 elements are known as alkali metals Atomic radius (atomic size) increases (going down the group) The outermost shell of the atoms (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and Fr) have 1 valence electron Good reducing agents Very reactive increases (going down the group) Very electropositive increases (going down the group) Electron arrangement of atom 2.1 2.8.1 2.8.8.1 2.8.18.18.8.1 2.8.18.32.18.8.1

Element Lithium / Li Sodium / Na Potassium / K Caesium / Cs Francium / Fr

Rubidium / Rb 2.8.18.8.1

Physical properties Grey solids with shiny silvery surfaces when freshly cut Soft solids at room temperature Good conductors of electricity Good conductors of heat Low melting point and boiling point (compared to heavy metal) Melting point and boiling point decreases (going down the group) atomic size increases and number of shells occupied with electrons increases / metallic bonding between atoms becomes weaker & less heat energy is required to overcome the weaker metallic bonding.

Low density (Li, Na and K float on the surface water / Rb, Cs and Fr sink in the water) Density of element increases (going down the group) Chemically very reactive and react rapidly with oxygen and water vapour in the air (must be kept in paraffin oil) Reactivity increases (down the group) how easily it can lose one (single) its valenceelectron to achieve stable (octet or duplet) electron arrangement React vigorously with cold water produce alkaline metal hydroxide solutions and hydrogen gas

Chemical properties

React with oxygen produce white solid metal oxides and metal oxides can dissolve in water to form alkaline metal hydroxide solutions React with halogens produce white solid metal halides Cannot hold with bare hands Wear safety goggles and gloves No flammable substance nearby Avoid the fire

Safety precautions