PERIODIC TRENDS & COULOMB'S LAW

Effective Charge (Z-effective)

Effective Charge (Z-effective)

net pull the outer electrons feel towards the nucleus, considering both the nucleus's positive charge and the shielding effect of the inner electrons. It's like a tug-of-war between the nucleus's attraction and the inner electrons' repulsion, determining how strongly the outer electrons are held by the atom (increases from left to right on the periodic table)

atomic radius

distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron shell. Generally, atomic radius decreases from left to right across periods and increases down groups.

ionization

The energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom

electron affinity

The energy released when an atom gains an electron

electronegativity

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