What happens to reactivty coming down a group in each case (from groups1,2,13-18)
What happens to reactivty coming down a group in each case (from groups1,2,13-18)
The elements on the left side of the table (i.e. group 1 and 2):
These react by losing electrons and reactivity increases as you go down the group.
This is because the increased number of electron shells results in more shielding and a greater distance between the outer electrons and the nucleus, which reduces the attraction of the electrons to the nucleus. This means that less energy is needed to remove the outer electrons, so they are more easily lost.
The elements on the right side of the table (i.e. group 7 and 6—not the noble gases):
These react by gaining electrons and reactivity decreases as you go down the group.
Again, this is because of the increased number of electron shells as you do down means a greater shielding effect and a greater distance between the outer electrons and the nucleus. This time, though the result is that the incoming electrons are less attracted to the nucleus and so are less easily gained.
The elements on the left side of the table (i.e. group 1 and 2):
These react by losing electrons and reactivity increases as you go down the group.
This is because the increased number of electron shells results in more shielding and a greater distance between the outer electrons and the nucleus, which reduces the attraction of the electrons to the nucleus. This means that less energy is needed to remove the outer electrons, so they are more easily lost.
The elements on the right side of the table (i.e. group 7 and 6—not the noble gases):
These react by gaining electrons and reactivity decreases as you go down the group.
Again, this is because of the increased number of electron shells as you do down means a greater shielding effect and a greater distance between the outer electrons and the nucleus. This time, though the result is that the incoming electrons are less attracted to the nucleus and so are less easily gained.
