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Chapter 3: Problem 123

Use the elements lithium, potassium, and sodium to explain what is meant by chemical periodicity.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Chemical periodicity refers to the periodic or repeating pattern of chemical and physical properties of elements as you move through the periodic table. Lithium, potassium, and sodium, all belonging to Group 1 (alkali metals), demonstrate chemical periodicity through their similar physical and chemical properties, such as being soft metals with low melting and boiling points, low densities, and high reactivity. These similarities arise from their positions in the periodic table and their electron configurations, which influence their properties. Each of these elements has one valence electron in their outermost energy level (highest principal quantum number), contributing to their similar characteristics.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the positions of lithium, potassium, and sodium in the periodic table

Locate lithium (Li), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) in the periodic table. All three elements belong to Group 1 of the periodic table, also known as the alkali metals. Throughout this group, the chemical and physical properties of the elements have similarities that reflect chemical periodicity.
02

Discuss the electron configurations of lithium, potassium, and sodium

Examine the electron configurations of these three elements, as this is the basis for their similar properties. The electron configurations for lithium, potassium, and sodium are as follows: - Lithium (Li): \(1s^2 2s^1\) - Sodium (Na): \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1\) - Potassium (K): \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^1\) In each case, they have one electron in their outermost energy level (highest principal quantum number), known as the valence electron.
03

Compare the physical properties of lithium, potassium, and sodium

Discuss the similarities in physical properties among these elements, which can be attributed to their similar electron configurations. Some of the physical properties that they share are: - They are all soft metals that can be easily cut with a knife. - They all have relatively low melting and boiling points compared to other metals. - They have low densities, with lithium being the lightest element in this group.
04

Compare the chemical properties of lithium, potassium, and sodium

Compare the chemical properties of these elements, which are also influenced by their positions in the periodic table and their electron configurations. Some of the chemical properties they share include: - They are all highly reactive metals due to their single, easily lost valence electron. - They react vigorously with water, producing hydrogen gas and an alkali metal hydroxide. For example, the reaction of sodium with water can be represented as: \(2Na + 2H_2O \rightarrow 2NaOH + H_2\) - They all form ionic compounds with nonmetals, wherein they lose their valence electron to form a cation with a \(+1\) charge.
05

Conclude by summarizing the concept of chemical periodicity

In conclusion, chemical periodicity refers to the repeating pattern of chemical and physical properties of elements as you move through the periodic table. The elements lithium, potassium, and sodium, all belonging to Group 1 (alkali metals), demonstrate chemical periodicity through their similar physical and chemical properties. These similarities arise from their positions in the periodic table and their electron configurations, which influence their properties.

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