How are the relationships of elements in a group different from the relationships of elements in a period?

1 Answer
Mrs. Goldcamp
Apr 2, 2016

Elements in the main groups ( not transition elements) share the same number of valence electrons. Elements in the same period are filling the same energy level.

Explanation:

Elements in the main groups ( not transition elements) share the same number of valence electrons. Elements in the same period are filling the same energy level. Transition elements have empty orbitals that are able to accept extra elections under certain situations. One can see using the quantum theory the similarities, in groups and periods. Group 1 elements tend to have #s^1# configuration, one electron in the outermost energy level.
Hydrogen's electron configuration is #1s^1#
Lithium's electron configuration is #1s^2 2s^1#

Elements in the same period are adding an electron to the sublevel til it is full. Fluorine's configuration is #1s^2 2s^2 2p^5#
Neon's configuration is #1s^2 2s^2 2p^6#

Related questions
See all questions in The Periodic Table
Impact of this question
8061 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License