patterns, structure, and bonding

explain trend in covalent radius across a period?

as you go across a period, number of protons in the nucleus increase. increased nuclear charge means attraction for electrons increase. electrons are then held closer to the nucleus, meaning covalent radius decreases.

explain trend in covalent radius as you go down a group?

as you go down a group, the number of electron shells increase, and the outer electrons are further away from the pull of the nucleus. the inner electron shells shield the outer electron shells from the pull of the nucleus. the electrons then are held not as close to the nucleus, and the covalent radius decreases.

what is covalent radius?

the measure of the size of an atom.

explain the trend in electronegativity across a period?

across a period, the nuclear charge increases. There is a greater attraction for bonding electrons, so electronegativity increases.

explain the trend in electronegativity going down a group?

down a group, number of electron shells increases, and the bonding electrons are further away from the nucleus. the inner electron shells shield the outer electrons from the nucleus.

what is electronegativity?

the measure of attraction an atom has for the electrons in a bond.