Learning Module 14: Periodic Trends Explained by Effective Nuclear Charge

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to periodic trends, effective nuclear charge, and related phenomena that are necessary for understanding the material in Unit 1.

Effective Nuclear Charge (ENC)

The net positive charge experienced by an electron in a multi-electron atom, accounting for shielding from other electrons.

Shielding Effect

The phenomenon where inner-shell electrons partially block outer-shell electrons from the full effect of the nuclear charge.

Atomic Radii

The measure of the size of an atom, typically the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electrons.

Ionization Energy

The energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom or ion.

Electron Affinity

The amount of energy released when an electron is added to an atom to form an anion.

Metallic Character

The tendency of an element to behave like a metal, which includes the tendency to lose electrons.

Electronegativity

The ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond.

Periodic Trend

A predictable pattern in the properties of elements as one moves across or down the periodic table.

Coulomb's Law

A law that describes the force between two charged particles, stating that opposite charges attract and like charges repel.

Diagonal Trend

A pattern observed in the periodic table where certain properties increase or decrease in a diagonal direction.