{ Trends in the Periodic Table
COLUMNS in the periodic table Also called “Families” Similar characteristics Groups
ROWS in the Periodic Table Periodic recurrence of similar properties; Trending Solids to liquids to gases Losing electrons to gaining electrons Etc. Periods
Interactive Periodic Table
Periodic Table Trend: Atomic Size Why?
Periodic Table Trend: Atomic Size
Because… Down a group Each row adds another energy level (orbit / shell) – so the outermost electron is farther from the nucleus And the atom gets bigger Across a period The number of protons increases, so the increasing positive charge holds the electrons more tightly And since the energy level of the outermost electron is the same, the atom gets smaller