Periodic Properties of the Elements

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the periodic properties of elements, prepared for exam review.

Electron Configuration

The arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals, indicating the energy levels of the electrons.

Effective Nuclear Charge (Z_eff)

The net positive charge experienced by an electron in a multi-electron atom, calculated as Z_eff = Z - S.

Periodic Law

The principle stating that the properties of elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.

Alkali Metals

Group 1 elements that are highly reactive and have one electron in their outermost shell.

Ionization Energy

The minimum energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state.

Electron Affinity

The energy change that occurs when an atom in the gas phase accepts an electron.

Covalent Bond

A type of bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed between two ions with opposite charges when one atom transfers electrons to another.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in forming bonds.

Electronegativity

The tendency of an atom to attract electrons when it is part of a compound.

Core Electrons

Electrons in an atom that are not in the outermost shell and do not participate in bonding.

Metallic Character

The set of properties associated with metals, such as conductivity, malleability, and ductility.

Isoelectronic

Atoms or ions that have the same electron configuration.

Atomic Radius

The size of an atom, typically measured as the distance from the nucleus to the outer boundary of the surrounding cloud of electrons.

Semi-Metals (Metalloids)

Elements that exhibit properties of both metals and non-metals.