P e r i o d ic Trends i n Rea c t i vi t y
P e r i o di c T r e nd s i n Re ac ti v i t y
Introd u c t i o n :
The structure of the periodic table is such that elements with similar
properties are aligned vertically in columns called “groups”. As you will learn
in class, this leads to smoothly varying trends in properties such as ionization
energy and atomic radius as one moves both down the periodic table within a
specific group or as one moves horizontally along a given row in the periodic
table. The reactivities of the elements also follow well-defined trends both
within the group and across a given row. In this experiment, you will explore
these trends in reactivity for the elements.
Elements in the Periodic Table are organized by increasing atomic
number. As atomic number increases so does the number of electrons.
Electrons, and specifically valence electrons, are important in determining
how an atom interacts with other atoms. The elements in a group (vertical
column) have similar properties because they have valence electrons in
similar configurations. The elements in the periodic table are divided into
categories. Not only is this system useful for finding element but much can
be predicted about an element based on its position on the periodic table.
Purp o s e : To explore the reactivity trends of metals in groups and periods of
the periodic table.
Pre - l a b R equirements:
Title of Lab
Summary of introduction
Procedure and Data Table copied into composition notebook.
Prior to the lab, answer the following questions:
1. What are groups? What are periods? What are families?
2. In general, where are metals located on the periodic table?
3. What are the names of two metal families?
4. What element is in Group 3 and in the 3rd period?
