Chapter 5: Problem 17

Locate H, Li, and Na on the periodic table. a) Describe any relationship between the core charge of these atoms, the number of valence electrons, and their positions in the periodic table. b) Describe any relationship between the valence shell of these atoms and their positions in the periodic table. c) Based on its position in the periodic table, predict the valence shell, core charge, and number of valence electrons for \(\mathrm{Rb}\). d) Using the shell model and referring to the Coulombic Potential Energy relationship (equation in Model 1, CA3), explain clearly how the \(\mathrm{IE}_{1}\) for \(\mathrm{Rb}\) is consistent with your answer to part c.

Short Answer

Expert verified

H, Li, and Na, all located in Group I, have one valence electron, with core charges of +1, +3, and +11, respectively. The number of valence electrons is constant in the same group, and the core charge increases from top to bottom. Similarly, Rb in Group I also has one valence electron, but with a higher core charge (+37) as it is in the fifth period. The first ionization energy of Rb is lower than H, Li, and Na due to its electron being on a higher energy level and experiencing more shielding.

Step by step solution

Location and Characteristics of H, Li, and Na

H (Hydrogen) is in the first position on the periodic table, having a core charge of +1 and 1 valence electron. Li (Lithium) is the third element on the periodic table, also in the first group like H, and has a core charge of +3 and 1 valence electron. Na (Sodium) is situated in the third period and first group, with a core charge of +11 and 1 valence electron. Notably, all three elements are in Group I, sharing the same number of valence electrons (1), with an increasing core charge down the group.

Relationship with Valence Shell

In general, elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons, as evidenced by H, Li, and Na each having one valence electron. These valence electrons occupy the highest energy shell (the valence shell) of the atom. The period number corresponds to the energy level of the valence shell, so for H it’s the first energy level, for Li, the second, and for Na, the third.

Predicting features for Rb

Rb (Rubidium) is situated in the fifth period and first group on the periodic table. Therefore, Rb would have a core charge of +37 and one valence electron in its fifth energy level, congruent with all elements in Group I la.

Explain IE1 for Rb

The first ionization energy (IE1) refers to the energy required to remove the outermost electron. As you move down the group, the ionization energy generally decreases because electrons are further from the nucleus and experience more shielding from inner electrons. So, with Rb’s valence electron in the fifth energy level (farther from the nucleus) and a larger number of inner electron shells, it's reasonable that Rb’s IE1 would be less than those of the other elements in the same group (H, Li, and Na).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Location and Characteristics of H, Li, and Na

Relationship with Valence Shell

Predicting features for Rb

Explain IE1 for Rb

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Kinetics

Chemical Reactions

Organic Chemistry

Chemical Analysis

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Inorganic Chemistry

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.