Question

Explain trends in properties of group $18$ elements with respect to a) Ionization enthalpies
b) Polarizability

Answer 1

• The first ionization energy decreases down a group in the periodic table.
• Because the atoms increases in atomic size down the group, the electron clouds of these non-polar atoms become increasingly polarized, which leads to weak van Der Waals forces among the atoms. Thus, the formation of liquids and solids is more easily attainable for these heavier elements because of their melting and boiling points.