Atomic Structure and Periodic Table - Chem - F2 - V1
Atomic Structure and Periodic Table - Chem - F2 - V1
Atomic Structure and Periodic Table - Chem - F2 - V1
The structure of the atom is extensively covered here. The periodic table is the
arrangement of atoms of elements based on their atomic structure. Emphasis on
the trends across and down the periodic table of atoms is important for the
teacher facilitator. This work should be covered before “Chemical bonding
and structure”. The two complements each other in understanding periodicity.
Candidate-user preparing for any secondary level chemistry from members of
A.ATOMIC STRUCTURE
The atom is the smallest particle of an element that take part in a chemical
reaction.The atom is made up of three subatomic particle:
(i)Protons
(ii)Electrons
(iii)Neutrons
(i)Protons
1.The proton is positively charged
2.Is found in the centre of an atom called nucleus
3.It has a relative mass 1
4.The number of protons in a atom of an element is its Atomic number
(ii)Electrons
1.The Electrons is negatively charged
2.Is found in fixed regions surrounding the centre of an atom called energy
levels/orbitals.
3.It has a relative mass 1/1840
4.The number of protons and electrons in a atom of an element is always equal
(iii)Neutrons
1.The Neutron is neither positively or negatively charged thus neutral.
2.Like protons it is found in the centre of an atom called nucleus
3.It has a relative mass 1
4.The number of protons and neutrons in a atom of an element is its Mass
number
The table below show atomic structure of the 1st twenty elements.
Sodium Na 11 11 12 11 23
Magnesium Mg 12 12 12 12 24
Aluminium Al 13 13 14 13 27
Silicon Si 14 14 14 14 28
Phosphorus P 15 15 16 15 31
Sulphur S 16 16 16 16 32
Chlorine Cl 17 17 18 17 35
Argon Ar 18 18 22 18 40
Potassium K 19 19 20 19 39
Calcium Ca 20 20 20 20 40
The table below shows some common natural isotopes of some elements
Element Isotopes Protons Electrons Neutrons Atomic Mass
number number
1
Hydrogen 1H 1 1 0 1 1
2
1H(deuterium) 1 1 2 1 2
3
1H(Tritium) 1 1 3 1 3
35
Chlorine Cl
17 17 17 18 17 35
37
Cl
17 17 17 20 17 37
39
Potassium K
19 19 19 20 19 39
40
K
19 19 19 21 19 40
41
19 K 19 19 22 19 41
16
Oxygen 8O 8 8 8 8 16
18
8O 8 8 10 8 18
235
Uranium 92 U 92 92 143 92 235
238
92 U 92 92 146 92 238
22
Neon 10Ne 10 10 12 10 22
20
10Ne 10 10 10 10 20
21
10Ne 10 10 11 10 21
-22
The mass of an average atom is very small (10 g).Masses of atoms are
therefore expressed in relation to a chosen element.
The atom recommended is 12C isotope whose mass is arbitrarily assigned as
12.000 atomic mass units(a.m.u) .
All other atoms are compared to the mass of 12C isotope to give the relative at
The relative atomic mass(RAM) is therefore defined as “the mass of average
atom of an element compared to 1/12 an atom of 12C isotope whose mass is
arbitrarily fixed as 12.000 atomic mass units(a.m.u) ” i.e;
Accurate relative atomic masses (RAM) are got from the mass spectrometer.
Mass spectrometer determines the isotopes of the element and their relative
abundance/availability.
Using the relative abundances/availability of the isotopes, the relative atomic
mass (RAM) can be determined /calculated as in the below examples.
a) Chlorine occurs as 75% 3517Cl and 25% 3717Cl isotopes. Calculate the
relative atomic mass of Chlorine.
Working
100 atoms of chlorine contains 75 atoms of 3517Cl isotopes
100 atoms of chlorine contains 75 atoms of 3717Cl isotopes
Therefore;
RAM of chlorine = ( 75/100 x 35) + 25/100 x 37 = 35.5
Note that:
Relative atomic mass has no units
More atoms of chlorine exist as 3517Cl(75%) than as 3717Cl(25%)
therefore RAM is nearer to the more abundant isotope.
b) Calculate the relative atomic mass of potassium given that it exist as;
93.1% 3919K , 0.01% 4019K , 6.89% 4119K ,
Working
100 atoms of potassium contains 93.1 atoms of 3919K isotopes
100 atoms of potassium contains 0.01 atoms of 4019K isotopes
100 atoms of potassium contains 6.89 atoms of 4119K isotopes
Therefore;
RAM of potassium = (93.1/100 x39) + (0.01/100 x 40) +(6.89 /100 x 39)
=
Note that:
Relative atomic mass has no units
More atoms of potassium exist as 3919K (93.1%) therefore RAM is
nearer to the more abundant 3919K isotope.
c) Calculate the relative atomic mass of Neon given that it exist as;
90.92% 2010Ne , 0.26% 2110Ne , 8.82% 2210Ne,
Working
100 atoms of Neon contains 90.92 atoms of 2010Ne isotopes
100 atoms of Neon contains 0.26 atoms of 2110Ne isotopes
100 atoms of Neon contains 8.82 atoms of 2210 Ne isotopes
Therefore;
RAM of Neon = (90.92/100 x20) + (0.26/100 x 21) +(8.82 /100 x 22)
=
Note that:
Relative atomic mass has no units
More atoms of Neon exist as 2010Ne (90.92%) therefore RAM is nearer
to the more abundant 2010Ne isotope.
d) Calculate the relative atomic mass of Argon given that it exist as;
90.92% 2010Ne , 0.26% 2110Ne , 8.82% 2210Ne,
NB
The relative atomic mass is a measure of the masses of atoms. The higher the
relative atomic mass, the heavier the atom.
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by cross(x)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by cross(x)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by cross(x)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by cross(x)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by cross(x)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by cross(x)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by cross(x)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by cross(x)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by cross(x)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by dot(.)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by dot(.)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by dot(.)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by dot(.)
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by dot(.)
Electronic structure of Phosphorus is thus: 2:8:5
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by dot(.)
Electronic structure of Sulphur is thus: 2:8:6
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by dot(.)
Electronic structure of Chlorine is thus: 2:8:7
Nucleus
Energy levels
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by dot(.)
Electronic structure of Potassium is thus: 2:8:8:1
Nucleus
Energy levels
Electrons (represented by dot(.)
Electronic structure of Calcium is thus: 2:8:8:2
B.PERIODIC TABLE
There are over 100 elements so far discovered. Scientists have tried to group
them together in a periodic table.
A periodic table is a horizontal and vertical arrangement of elements according
to their atomic numbers.
This table was successfully arranged in 1913 by the British scientist Henry
Moseley from the previous work of the Russian Scientist Dmitri Mendeleev.
The horizontal arrangement forms period. Atoms in the same period have the
same the same number of energy levels in their electronic structure. i.e.
The number of energy levels in the electronic configuration of an element
determine the period to which the element is in the periodic table.
e.g.
Which period of the periodic table are the following isotopes/elements/atoms?
a) 126C
The vertical arrangement of elements forms a group. Atoms in the same have
the same the same group have the same number of outer energy level electrons
as per their electronic structure. i.e.
The number of electrons in the outer energy level an element determine the
group to which the element is ,in the periodic table.
12
a) 6C
Electron structure 2:4 => 4 electrons in outer energy level thus Group IV
b) 2311C
Electron structure 2:8:1 => 1 electron in outer energy level thus Group I
39
c) 19K
By convention;
(i)Periods are named using English numerals 1,2,3,4,…
(ii)Groups are named using Roman numerals I,II,III,IV,…
When an atom has maximum number of electrons in its outer energy level, it is
said to be stable.
When an atom has no maximum number of electrons in its outer energy level, it
is said to be unstable.
All stable atoms are in group 8/18 of the periodic table. All other elements are
unstable.
An ion is formed when an unstable atom gain or donate electrons in its outer
energy level inorder to be stable. Whether an atom gain or donate electrons
depend on the relative energy required to donate or gain extra electrons i.e.
Examples
1. 199 F has electronic structure/configuration 2:7.
It can donate the seven outer electrons to have stable electronic
structure/configuration 2:.
It can gain one extra electron to have stable electronic
structure/configuration 2:8. Gaining requires less energy, and thus
Fluorine reacts by gaining one extra electrons.
2. 2313 Al has electronic structure/configuration 2:8:3
It can donate the three outer electrons to have stable electronic
structure/configuration 2:8.
It can gain five extra electrons to have stable electronic
structure/configuration 2:8:8. Donating requires less energy, and thus
Aluminium reacts by donating its three outer electrons.
Elements with less than four electrons in the outer energy level donates /lose the
outer electrons to be stable and form a positively charged ion called cation.
A cation therefore has more protons(positive charge) than electrons(negative
charge)
Generally metals usually form cation
Elements with more than four electrons in the outer energy level gain /acquire
extra electrons in the outer energy level to be stable and form a negatively
charged ion called anion.
An anion therefore has less protons(positive charge) than electrons(negative
charge)
Generally non metals usually form anion. Except Hydrogen
The charge carried by an ion is equal to the number of electrons gained/acquired
or donated/lost.
1.11H
H -> H+ + e
(atom) (monovalent cation) (electrons donated/lost)
Electronic configuration 1: (No electrons remains)
2. 2713 Al
Al -> Al3+ + 3e
(atom) (trivalent cation) (3 electrons donated/lost)
Electron 2:8:3 2:8
structure (unstable) (stable)
3. 2311 Na
Na -> Na+ + e
(atom) (cation) ( 1 electrons donated/lost)
Electron 2:8:1 2:8
structure (unstable) (stable)
4. 2412Mg
Mg -> Mg2+ + 2e
(atom) (cation) ( 2 electrons donated/lost)
Electron 2:8:1 2:8
structure (unstable) (stable)
5. 168O
O + 2e -> O2-
(atom) ( 2 electrons gained/acquired) (anion)
Electron 2:6 2:8
structure (unstable) (stable)
6. 147N
N + 3e -> N3-
(atom) ( 3 electrons gained/acquired) (anion)
Electron 2:5 2:8
structure (unstable) (stable)
7. 3115P
P + 3e -> P3-
(atom) ( 3 electrons gained/acquired) (anion)
Electron 2:5 2:8
structure (unstable) (stable)
8. 199F
F + e -> F-
(atom) ( 1 electrons gained/acquired) (anion)
Electron 2:7 2:8
structure (unstable) (stable)
9. 3517Cl
Cl + e -> Cl-
(atom) ( 1 electrons gained/acquired) (anion)
Electron 2:8:7 2:8:8
structure (unstable) (stable)
3. 3919 K
K -> K+ + e
(atom) (cation) ( 1 electrons donated/lost)
Electron 2:8:8:1 2:8:8
structure (unstable) (stable)
39
Potassium 19 K K+ +1
40
19 K K+ +1
41
19 K K+ +1
16
Oxygen 8O O2- -2
18
8O O2- -2
24
Magnesium 12 Mg Mg2+ +2
23
sodium 11 Na Na+ +1
Copper Cu Cu+ +1
Cu2+ +2
Iron Fe2+ +2
Fe3+ +3
Lead Pb2+ +2
Pb4+ +4
Manganese Mn2+ +2
Mn7+ +7
Chromium Cr3+ +3
Cr6+ +6
Sulphur S4+ +4
S6+ +6
Carbon C2+ +2
C4+ +4
Note :
Some elements can exist in more than one oxidation state.They are said to have
variable oxidation state.
Roman capital numeral is used to indicate the oxidation state of an element with
a variable oxidation state in a compound.
Examples:
(i) Copper (I) means Cu+ as in Copper(I)oxide
(ii) Copper (II) means Cu2+ as in Copper(II)oxide
(iii) Iron (II) means Fe2+ as in Iron(II)sulphide
(iv) Iron (III) means Fe3+ as in Iron(III)chloride
(iv) Sulphur(VI)mean S6+ as in Iron(III)sulphate(VI)
(v) Sulphur(VI)mean S6+ as in sulphur(VI)oxide
(vi) Sulphur(IV)mean S4+ as in sulphur(IV)oxide
(vii) Sulphur(IV)mean S4+ as in sodium sulphate(IV)
(ix) Carbon(IV)mean C4+ as in carbon(IV)oxide
(x) Carbon(IV)mean C4+ as in Lead(II)carbonate(IV)
(xi) Carbon(II)mean C2+ as in carbon(II)oxide
(xii) Manganese(IV)mean Mn4+ as in Manganese(IV)oxide
Table showing the valency of some common metal and non metals
Hydrogen 1 Florine 1
Lithium 1 Chlorine 1
Beryllium 2 Bromine 1
Boron 3 Iodine 1
Sodium 1 Carbon 4
Magnesium 2 Nitrogen 3
Aluminium 3 Oxygen 2
Potassium 1 Phosphorus 3
Calcium 2
Zinc 2
Barium 2
Mercury 2
Iron 2 and 3
Copper 1 and 2
Manganese 2 and 4
Lead 2 and 4
Practice examples
Write the chemical formula of
(a)Aluminium oxide
(b)Sodium oxide
(d)Lead(IV)oxide
Elements making compound Lead Oxygen
Symbol of elements/radicals in compound Pb O
Assign valencies as superscript Pb4 O2
Exchange/Interchange the valencies as subscript Pb2 O4
Divide by two to get smallest whole number ratio Pb1 O2
(e)Lead(II)oxide
Elements making compound Lead Oxygen
Symbol of elements/radicals in compound Pb O
Assign valencies as superscript Pb2 O2
Exchange/Interchange the valencies as subscript Pb2 O2
Divide by two to get smallest whole number ratio Pb1 O1
(e)Iron(III)oxide
Elements making compound Iron Oxygen
Symbol of elements/radicals in compound Fe O
Assign valencies as superscript Fe3 O2
Exchange/Interchange the valencies as subscript Fe2 O3
Divide by two to get smallest whole number ratio - -
(f)Iron(II)sulphate(VI)
Elements making compound Iron sulphate(VI)
Symbol of elements/radicals in compound Fe SO4
Assign valencies as superscript Fe2 SO4 2
Exchange/Interchange the valencies as subscript Fe2 SO4 2
Divide by two to get smallest whole number ratio Fe1 SO4 1
(g)Copper(II)sulphate(VI)
Elements making compound Copper sulphate(VI)
Symbol of elements/radicals in compound Cu SO4
Assign valencies as superscript Cu2 SO4 2
Exchange/Interchange the valencies as subscript Cu2 SO4 2
Divide by two to get smallest whole number ratio Cu1 SO4 1
(h)Aluminium sulphate(VI)
Elements making compound Aluminium sulphate(VI)
Symbol of elements/radicals in compound Al SO4
Assign valencies as superscript Al3 SO4 2
Exchange/Interchange the valencies as subscript Al2 SO4 3
Divide by two to get smallest whole number ratio - -
(i)Aluminium nitrate(V)
Elements making compound Aluminium nitrate(V)
Symbol of elements/radicals in compound Al NO3
Assign valencies as superscript Al3 NO3 1
Exchange/Interchange the valencies as subscript Al1 NO3 3
Divide by two to get smallest whole number ratio - -
Chemical formula of Aluminium sulphate(VI) is thus: Al (NO3)3
This means:1 atom of Aluminium combine with 3 nitrate(V) radical.
(j)Potassium manganate(VII)
Elements making compound Potassium manganate(VII)
Symbol of elements/radicals in compound K MnO4
Assign valencies as superscript K1 MnO4 1
Exchange/Interchange the valencies as subscript K1 MnO4 1
Divide by two to get smallest whole number ratio - -
(k)Sodium dichromate(VI)
Elements making compound Sodium dichromate(VI)
Symbol of elements/radicals in compound Na Cr2O7
Assign valencies as superscript Na 1 Cr2O7 2
Exchange/Interchange the valencies as subscript Na2 Cr2O7 1
Divide by two to get smallest whole number ratio - -
3. Check if the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side is equal to
the number of atoms of each element on the product side.
4. Multiply the chemical formula containing the unbalanced atoms with the
lowest common multiple if the number of atoms on one side is not equal. This is
called balancing.
Do not change the chemical formula of the products/reactants.
5. Assign in brackets, the physical state/state symbols of the reactants and
products after each chemical formula as:
(i) (s) for solids
(ii) (l) for liquids
(iii) (g) for gas
(iv) (aq) for aqueous/dissolved in water to make a solution.
Practice examples
Write a balanced chemical equation for the following
(a) Hydrogen gas is prepared from reacting Zinc granules with dilute
hydrochloric acid.
Procedure
2. Write the correct chemical formula for each of the reactants and products
Zn + HCl -> ZnCl2 + H2
Procedure
2. Write the correct chemical formula for each of the reactants and products
H2O2 -> H2O + O2
Procedure
1. Write the word equation
Potassium manganate(VII) + Hydrochloric acid ->
potassium chloride + manganese(II) chloride + chlorine +water
2. Write the correct chemical formula for each of the reactants and products
KMnO4 + HCl -> KCl + MnCl2 +H2O + Cl2
Two atom of H in H2O on the product side is not equal to one atom on
reactant side.
Four atom of O in KMnO4 is not equal to one in H2O
One atom of Cl in HCl on reactant side is not equal to three (one in H2O
and two in Cl2)
Procedure
1. Write the word equation
Calcium carbonate + Hydrochloric acid ->
calcium chloride solution+ water +carbon(IV)oxide
2. Write the correct chemical formula for each of the reactants and products
CaCO3 + HCl -> CaCl2 +H2O + CO2
(e)Sodium reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) -> 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
The number of valence electrons and the number of occupied energy levels in
an atom of an element determine the position of an element in the periodic
table.i.e
The number of occupied energy levels determine the Period and the valence
electrons determine the Group.
Elements in the same group have similar physical and chemical properties. The
trends in physical and chemical properties of elements in the same group vary
down the group. Elements in the same group thus constitute a chemical family.
Group I elements are called Alkali metals except Hydrogen which is a non
metal. The alkali metals include:
All alkali metals atom has one electron in the outer energy level. They therefore
are monovalent. They donate /lose the outer electron to have oxidation state M+
The number of energy levels increases down the group from Lithium to
Francium. The more the number of energy levels the bigger/larger the atomic
size. e.g.
The atomic size of Potassium is bigger/larger than that of sodium because
Potassium has more/4 energy levels than sodium (3 energy levels).
Atomic radius and ionic radius depend on the number of energy levels occupied
by electrons. The more the number of energy levels the bigger/larger the
atomic /ionic radius. e.g.
The atomic radius of Francium is bigger/larger than that of sodium because
Francium has more/7 energy levels than sodium (3 energy levels).
Atomic radius and ionic radius of alkali metals increase down the group as the
number of energy levels increases.
The atomic radius of alkali metals is bigger than the ionic radius. This is
because alkali metals react by losing/donating the outer electron and hence lose
the outer energy level.
Table showing the atomic and ionic radius of some alkali metals
Element Symbol Atomic Atomic radius(nM) Ionic radius(nM)
number
Lithium Li 3 0.133 0.060
Sodium Na 11 0.157 0.095
Potassium K 19 0.203 0.133
The atomic radius of sodium is 0.157nM .The ionic radius of Na+ is 0.095nM.
This is because sodium reacts by donating/losing the outer electrons and hence
the outer energy level. The remaining electrons/energy levels experience more
effective / greater nuclear attraction/pull towards the nucleus reducing the
atomic radius.
Electropositivity
The ease of donating/losing electrons is called electropositivity. All alkali
metals are electropositive. Electropositivity increase as atomic radius increase.
This is because the effective nuclear attraction on outer electrons decreases with
increase in atomic radius. The outer electrons experience less nuclear attraction
and can be lost/ donated easily/with ease. Francium is the most electropositive
element in the periodic table because it has the highest/biggest atomic radius.
Ionization energy
The minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom
of element in its gaseous state is called 1st ionization energy. The SI unit of
ionization energy is kilojoules per mole/kJmole-1 .Ionization energy depend on
atomic radius. The higher the atomic radius, the less effective the nuclear
attraction on outer electrons/energy level and thus the lower the ionization
energy. For alkali metals the 1st ionization energy decrease down the group as
the atomic radius increase and the effective nuclear attraction on outer energy
level electrons decrease.
e.g. The 1st ionization energy of sodium is 496 kJmole-1 while that of potassium
is 419 kJmole-1 .This is because atomic radius increase and thus effective
nuclear attraction on outer energy level electrons decrease down the group from
sodium to Potassium. It requires therefore less energy to donate/lose outer
electrons in Potassium than in sodium.
Physical properties
Soft/Easy to cut: Alkali metals are soft and easy to cut with a knife. The
softness and ease of cutting increase down the group from Lithium to Francium.
This is because an increase in atomic radius, decreases the strength of metallic
bond and the packing of the metallic structure
Appearance: Alkali metals have a shiny grey metallic luster when freshly cut.
The surface rapidly/quickly tarnishes on exposure to air. This is because the
metal surface rapidly/quickly reacts with elements of air/oxygen.
Melting and boiling points: Alkali metals have a relatively low melting/boiling
point than common metals like Iron. This is because alkali metals use only one
delocalized electron to form a weak metallic bond/structure.
Electrical/thermal conductivity: Alkali metals are good thermal and electrical
conductors. Metals conduct using the outer mobile delocalized electrons. The
delocalized electrons move randomly within the metallic structure.
Chemical properties
(i)Reaction with air/oxygen
On exposure to air, alkali metals reacts with the elements in the air.
Example
On exposure to air, Sodium first reacts with Oxygen to form sodium oxide.
4Na(s) + O2(g) -> 2Na2O(s)
The sodium oxide formed further reacts with water/moisture in the air to form
sodium hydroxide solution.
Na2O(s) + H2O(l) -> 2NaOH(aq)
(ii)Burning in air/oxygen
Lithium burns in air with a crimson/deep red flame to form Lithium oxide
4Li (s) + O2(g) -> 2Li2O(s)
Sodium burns in air with a yellow flame to form sodium oxide
4Na (s) + O2(g) -> 2Na2O(s)
Sodium burns in oxygen with a yellow flame to form sodium peroxide
2Na (s) + O2(g) -> Na2O2 (s)
Potassium burns in air with a lilac/purple flame to form potassium oxide
4K (s)+ O2(g) -> 2K2O (s)
Explanation
Alkali metals are less dense than water. They therefore float in water.They react
with water to form a strongly alkaline solution of their hydroxides and
producing hydrogen gas. The rate of this reaction increase down the group. i.e.
Potassium is more reactive than sodium .Sodium is more reactive than Lithium.
The reactivity increases as electropositivity increases of the alkali increases.
This is because as the atomic radius increases , the ease of donating/losing outer
electron increase during chemical reactions.
Chemical equations
2Li(s) + 2H2O(l) -> 2LiOH(aq) + H2(g)
2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) -> 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
2K(s) + 2H2O(l) -> 2KOH(aq) + H2(g)
2Rb(s) + 2H2O(l) -> 2RbOH(aq) + H2(g)
2Cs(s) + 2H2O(l) -> 2CsOH(aq) + H2(g)
2Fr(s) + 2H2O(l) -> 2FrOH(aq) + H2(g)
Reactivity increase down the group
Alkali metal react with chlorine gas to form the corresponding metal chlorides.
The reactivity increase as electropositivity increase down the group from
Lithium to Francium.The ease of donating/losing the outer electrons increase as
the atomic radius increase and the outer electron is less attracted to the nucleus.
Chemical equations
2Li(s) + Cl2(g) -> 2LiCl(s)
2Na(s) + Cl2(g) -> 2NaCl(s)
2K(s) + Cl2(g) -> 2KCl(s)
2Rb(s) + Cl2(g) -> 2RbCl(s)
2Cs(s) + Cl2(g) -> 2CsCl(s)
2Fr(s) + Cl2(g) -> 2FrCl(s)
Reactivity increase down the group
The table below shows some compounds of the 1st three alkali metals
Group II elements are called Alkaline earth metals . The alkaline earth metals
include:
All alkaline earth metal atoms have two electrons in the outer energy level.
They therefore are divalent. They donate /lose the two outer electrons to have
oxidation state M2+
The number of energy levels increases down the group from Beryllium to
Radium. The more the number of energy levels the bigger/larger the atomic
size. e.g.
The atomic size/radius of Calcium is bigger/larger than that of Magnesium
because Calcium has more/4 energy levels than Magnesium (3 energy levels).
Atomic radius and ionic radius of alkaline earth metals increase down the group
as the number of energy levels increases.
The atomic radius of alkaline earth metals is bigger than the ionic radius. This is
because they react by losing/donating the two outer electrons and hence lose the
outer energy level.
Table showing the atomic and ionic radius of the 1st three alkaline earth
metals
Element Symbol Atomic Atomic radius(nM) Ionic radius(nM)
number
Beryllium Be 4 0.089 0.031
Magnesium Mg 12 0.136 0.065
Calcium Ca 20 0.174 0.099
Electropositivity
All alkaline earth metals are also electropositive like alkali metals. The
electropositivity increase with increase in atomic radius/size. Calcium is more
electropositive than Magnesium. This is because the effective nuclear attraction
on outer electrons decreases with increase in atomic radius. The two outer
electrons in calcium experience less nuclear attraction and can be lost/ donated
easily/with ease because of the higher/bigger atomic radius.
Ionization energy
For alkaline earth metals the 1st ionization energy decrease down the group as
the atomic radius increase and the effective nuclear attraction on outer energy
level electrons decrease.
e.g. The 1st ionization energy of Magnesium is 900 kJmole-1 while that of
Calcium is 590 kJmole-1 .This is because atomic radius increase and thus
effective nuclear attraction on outer energy level electrons decrease down the
group from magnesium to calcium.
It requires therefore less energy to donate/lose outer electron in calcium than in
magnesium.
the outer energy level than Sodium hence pulls outer energy level more nearer
to its nucleus.
Physical properties
Soft/Easy to cut: Alkaline earth metals are not soft and easy to cut with a knife
like alkali metals. This is because of the decrease in atomic radius of
corresponding alkaline earth metal, increases the strength of metallic bond and
the packing of the metallic structure. Alkaline earth metals are
(i)ductile(able to form wire/thin long rods)
(ii)malleable(able to be hammered into sheet/long thin plates)
(iii)have high tensile strength(able to be coiled without breaking/ not
brittle/withstand stress)
Appearance: Alkali earth metals have a shiny grey metallic luster when their
surface is freshly polished /scrubbed. The surface slowly tarnishes on exposure
to air. This is because the metal surface slowly undergoes oxidation to form an
oxide. This oxide layer should be removed before using the alkaline earth
metals.
Melting and boiling points: Alkaline earth metals have a relatively high
melting/ boiling point than alkali metals. This is because alkali metals use only
one delocalized electron to form a weaker metallic bond/structure. Alkaline
earth metals use two delocalized electrons to form a stronger metallic bond
/structure.
The melting and boiling points decrease down the group as the atomic
radius/size increase reducing the strength of metallic bond and packing of the
metallic structure. e.g.
Beryllium has a melting point of 1280oC. Magnesium has a melting point of
650oC.Beryllium has a smaller atomic radius/size than magnesium .The strength
of metallic bond and packing of the metallic structure is thus stronger in
beryllium.
Electrical/thermal conductivity: Alkaline earth metals are good thermal and
electrical conductors. The two delocalized valence electrons move randomly
within the metallic structure.
Electrical conductivity increase down the group as the atomic radius/size
increase making the delocalized outer electrons less attracted to nucleus.
Alkaline earth metals are better thermal and electrical conductors than alkali
metals because they have more/two outer delocalized electrons.e.g.
Magnesium is a better conductor than sodium because it has more/two
delocalized electrons than sodium. The more delocalized electrons the better the
electrical conductor.
Calcium is a better conductor than magnesium.
Summary of some physical properties of the 1st three alkaline earth metals
Chemical properties
(i)Reaction with air/oxygen
On exposure to air, the surface of alkaline earth metals is slowly oxidized to its
oxide on prolonged exposure to air.
Example
On exposure to air, the surface of magnesium ribbon is oxidized to form a thin
film of Magnesium oxide
. 2Mg(s) + O2(g) -> 2MgO(s)
(ii)Burning in air/oxygen
Experiment
Hold a about 2cm length of Magnesium ribbon on a Bunsen flame. Stop heating
when it catches fire/start burning.
Caution: Do not look directly at the flame
Put the products of burning into 100cm3 beaker. Add about 5cm3 of distilled
water. Swirl. Test the mixture using litmus papers.
Repeat with Calcium
Observations
-Magnesium burns with a bright blindening flame
-White solid /ash produced
-Solid dissolves in water to form a colourless solution
-Blue litmus paper remain blue
-Red litmus paper turns blue
-colourless gas with pungent smell of urine
Explanation
Magnesium burns in air with a bright blindening flame to form a mixture of
Magnesium oxide and Magnesium nitride.
2Mg (s) + O2(g) -> 2MgO(s)
Observations
-Surface of magnesium covered by bubbles of colourless gas.
-Colourless solution formed.
-Effervescence/bubbles/fizzing takes place in Calcium.
-Red litmus paper turns blue.
-Blue litmus paper remains blue.
Explanations
Magnesium slowly reacts with cold water to form Magnesium hydroxide and
bubbles of Hydrogen gas that stick on the surface of the ribbon.
Mg(s) + 2H2O (l) -> Mg(OH)2(aq) + H2 (g)
Calcium moderately reacts with cold water to form Calcium hydroxide and
produce a steady stream of Hydrogen gas.
Observations
-Magnesium glows red hot then burns with a blindening flame.
-Magnesium continues to glow/burning even without more heating.
-White solid/residue.
-colourless gas collected over water.
Explanation
On heating wet sand, steam is generated which drives out the air that would
otherwise react with /oxidize the ribbon.
Magnesium burns in steam/water vapour generating enough heat that ensures
the reaction goes to completion even without further heating. White Magnesium
oxide is formed and hydrogen gas is evolved.
To prevent suck back, the delivery tube should be removed from the water
before heating is stopped at the end of the experiment.
Mg(s) + H2O (l) -> MgO(s) + H2 (g)
Experiment
Lower slowly a burning magnesium ribbon/shavings into a gas jar containing
Chlorine gas. Repeat with a hot piece of calcium metal.
Observation
-Magnesium continues to burn in chlorine with a bright blindening flame.
-Calcium continues to burn for a short time.
-White solid formed .
-Pale green colour of chlorine fades.
Explanation
Magnesium continues to burn in chlorine gas forming white magnesium oxide
solid.
Mg(s) + Cl2 (g) -> MgCl2 (s)
Calcium burns slightly in chlorine gas to form white calcium oxide solid.
Calcium oxide formed coat unreacted Calcium stopping further reaction
Ca(s) + Cl2 (g) -> CaCl2 (s)
Explanation
Dilute acids react with alkaline earth metals to form a salt and produce
hydrogen gas.
Nitric(V)acid is a strong oxidizing agent. It quickly oxidizes the hydrogen
produced to water.
Calcium is very reactive with dilute acids and thus a very small piece of very
dilute acid should be used.
Chemical equations
Mg(s) + H2SO4 (aq) -> MgSO4(aq) + H2 (g)
The table below shows some compounds of some alkaline earth metals
Group VII elements are called Halogens. They are all non metals. They include:
All halogen atoms have seven electrons in the outer energy level. They
acquire/gain one electron in the outer energy level to be stable. They therefore
are therefore monovalent .They exist in oxidation state X-
The number of energy levels increases down the group from Fluorine to
Astatine. The more the number of energy levels the bigger/larger the atomic
size. e.g.
The atomic size/radius of Chlorine is bigger/larger than that of Fluorine
because Chlorine has more/3 energy levels than Fluorine (2 energy levels).
Atomic radius and ionic radius of Halogens increase down the group as the
number of energy levels increases.
The atomic radius of Halogens is smaller than the ionic radius. This is because
they react by gaining/acquiring extra one electron in the outer energy level. The
effective nuclear attraction on the more/extra electrons decreases. The incoming
extra electron is also repelled causing the outer energy level to expand to reduce
the repulsion and accommodate more electrons.
The atomic radius of Chlorine is 0.099nM .The ionic radius of Cl- is 0.181nM.
This is because Chlorine atom/molecule reacts by gaining/acquiring extra one
electrons. The more/extra electrons/energy level experience less effective
nuclear attraction /pull towards the nucleus .The outer enegy level
expand/increase to reduce the repulsion of the existing and incoming gained
/acquired electrons.
Electronegativity
The ease of gaining/acquiring extra electrons is called electronegativity. All
halogens are electronegative. Electronegativity decreases as atomic radius
increase. This is because the effective nuclear attraction on outer electrons
decreases with increase in atomic radius.
The outer electrons experience less nuclear attraction and thus ease of
gaining/acquiring extra electrons decrease.
It is measured using Pauling’s scale.
Where Fluorine with Pauling scale 4.0 is the most electronegative element and
thus the highest tendency to acquire/gain extra electron.
Table showing the electronegativity of the halogens.
Halogen F Cl Br I At
Electronegativity (Pauling scale) 4.0 3.0 2.8 2.5 2.2
Electron affinity
The minimum amount of energy required to gain/acquire an extra electron by
an atom of element in its gaseous state is called 1st electron affinity. The SI
unit of electron affinity is kilojoules per mole/kJmole-1 . Electron affinity
depend on atomic radius. The higher the atomic radius, the less effective the
nuclear attraction on outer energy level electrons and thus the lower the electron
affinity. For halogens the 1st electron affinity decrease down the group as the
atomic radius increase and the effective nuclear attraction on outer energy level
electrons decrease. Due to its small size/atomic radius Fluorine shows
Physical properties
State at room temperature
Fluorine and Chlorine are gases, Bromine is a liquid and Iodine is a solid.
Astatine is radioactive .
All halogens exist as diatomic molecules bonded by strong covalent bond. Each
molecule is joined to the other by weak intermolecular forces/ Van-der-waals
forces.
Melting/Boiling point
The strength of intermolecular/Van-der-waals forces of attraction increase with
increase in molecular size/atomic radius.
Iodine has therefore the largest atomic radius and thus strongest intermolecular
forces to make it a solid.
Iodine sublimes when heated to form (caution: highly toxic/poisonous) purple
vapour.
This is because Iodine molecules are held together by weak
van-der-waals/intermolecular forces which require little heat energy to break.
Electrical conductivity
All Halogens are poor conductors of electricity because they have no free
delocalized electrons.
Solubility in polar and non-polar solvents
All halogens are soluble in water(polar solvent).
When a boiling tube containing either chlorine gas or bromine vapour is
separately inverted in a beaker containing distilled water and
tetrachloromethane (non-polar solvent), the level of solution in boiling tube
rises in both water and tetrachloromethane.
This is because halogen are soluble in both polar and non-polar solvents.
Solubility of halogens in water/polar solvents decrease down the group.
Solubility of halogens in non-polar solvent increase down the group.
The level of water in chlorine is higher than in bromine and the level of
tetrachloromethane in chlorine is lower than in bromine.
Caution: Tetrachloromethane , Bromine vapour and Chlorine gas are all highly
toxic/poisonous.
Chemical properties
(i)Displacement
Experiment
Place separately in test tubes about 5cm3 of sodium chloride, Sodium bromide
and Sodium iodide solutions.
Add 5 drops of chlorine water to each test tube:
Repeat with 5 drops of bromine water instead of chlorine water
Observation
Using Chlorine water
-Yellow colour of chlorine water fades in all test tubes except with
sodium chloride.
-Coloured Solution formed.
Using Bromine water
Yellow colour of bromine water fades in test tubes containing sodium
iodide.
-Coloured Solution formed.
Explanation
The halogens displace each other from their solution. The more electronegative
displace the less electronegative from their solution.
Chlorine is more electronegative than bromine and iodine.
On adding chlorine water, bromine and Iodine are displaced from their
solutions by chlorine.
Bromine is more electronegative than iodide but less 6than chlorine.
On adding Bromine water, iodine is displaced from its solution but not
chlorine.
Table showing the displacement of the halogens
(V) means there is displacement (x ) means there is no displacement
F- Cl- Br- I-
Halogen ion in
solution
Halogen
F2 X
Cl2 X X
Br2 X X X
I2 X X X X
With chlorine
Cl2(g) + 2NaCl-(aq) -> 2NaCl(aq) + Br2(aq)
Cl2(g) + 2Br-(aq) -> 2Cl-(aq) + Br2(aq)
Cl2(g) + 2NaI-(aq) -> 2NaCl(aq) + I2(aq)
With Bromine
Br2(g) + 2NaI-(aq) -> 2NaBr(aq) + I2(aq)
Br2(g) + 2I-(aq) -> 2Br-(aq) + I2(aq)
H Na Mg Al Si C P
Element
(i) Halogen
F HF NaF MgH2 AlF3 SiF4 CF4 PF3
Cl HCl NaCl MgCl AlCl3 SiCl3 CCl4 PCl3
Br HBr NaBr MgBr2 AlBr3 SiBr4 CBr4 PBr3
I Hl Nal Mgl2 All3 SiI4 Cl2 PBr3
Below is the table showing the bond energy of four halogens.
Bond Bond energy k J mole-1
Cl-Cl 242
Br-Br 193
I-I 151
Group VIII elements are called Noble gases. They are all non metals. Noble
gases occupy about 1.0% of the atmosphere as colourless gaseous mixture.
Argon is the most abundant with 0.9%.
They exists as monatomic molecules with very weak van-der-waals
/intermolecular forces holding the molecules.
They include:
Element Symbol Atomic Electron structure State at room
number temperature
Helium He 2 2: Colourless gas
Neon Ne 10 2:8 Colourless gas
Argon Ar 18 2:8:8 Colourless gas
Krypton Kr 36 2:8:18:8 Colourless gas
Xenon Xe 54 2:8:18:18:8 Colourless gas
Radon Rn 86 2:8:18:32:18:8 Radioctive
st
All noble gas atoms have a stable duplet(two electrons in the 1 energy level) or
octet(eight electrons in other outer energy level)in the outer energy level. They
therefore do not acquire/gain extra electron in the outer energy level or
donate/lose. They therefore are therefore zerovalent .
The number of energy levels increases down the group from Helium to
Randon. The more the number of energy levels the bigger/larger the atomic
size/radius. e.g.
The atomic size/radius of Argon is bigger/larger than that of Neon because
Argon has more/3 energy levels than Neon (2 energy levels).
Atomic radius noble gases increase down the group as the number of energy
levels increases.
The effective nuclear attraction on the outer electrons thus decrease down the
group.
The noble gases are generally unreactive because the outer energy level has the
stable octet/duplet. The stable octet/duplet in noble gas atoms lead to a
comparatively very high 1st ionization energy. This is because losing /donating
an electron from the stable atom require a lot of energy to lose/donate and make
it unstable.
As atomic radius increase down the group and the 1st ionization energy
decrease, very electronegative elements like Oxygen and Fluorine are able to
react and bond with lower members of the noble gases.e.g
Xenon reacts with Fluorine to form a covalent compound XeF6.This is because
the outer electrons/energy level if Xenon is far from the nucleus and thus
experience less effective nuclear attraction.
Noble gases have low melting and boiling points. This is because they exist as
monatomic molecules joined by very weak intermolecular/van-der-waals forces
that require very little energy to weaken and form liquid and break to form a
gas.
The intermolecular/van-der-waals forces increase down the group as the atomic
radius/size increase from Helium to Radon. The melting and boiling points thus
increase also down the group.
Noble gases are insoluble in water and are poor conductors of electricity.