EL4

Periodicity

Atomic number determines the place of an element in the periodic table. The periodic table can be categorised into four blocks; the S, P, D and F blocks. The elements in these blocks show general similarities in properties. Eg. the non-metals are in the p-block. Vertical columns are groups, and horizontal rows are periods.

Physical Properties

The elements in a group show patterns in physical properties; trends down a group. Across a period there are fewer features because of how they cut across groups, but the properties tend to vary regularly from left to right.

Melting and Boiling Points (MBP)

When elements are melted/boiled, the intermolecular forces must be overcomes. The strength of these bonds therefore determines the MBPs.

Electronic Structure

The number of outer shell electrons determines the group number of an element.

Chemical Properties

The chemical properties of an element are decided by the number of electrons in its outer shell. Full sub-shells in the noble gases are known as closed shell arrangements, and are particularly stable.

Electronic Configurations of s- and p- block ions