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What are the connections between reactivity and ionization energy/electron affinity trends? Why do the trends correlate?

What are the connections between reactivity and ionization energy/electron affinity trends? Why do the trends correlate?

Chemistry
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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**Question:** What are the connections between reactivity and ionization energy/electron affinity trends? Why do the trends correlate? **Explanation:** This inquiry seeks to explore the relationships between chemical reactivity and the periodic trends of ionization energy and electron affinity. **Ionization Energy:** This is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in the gaseous state. Generally, ionization energy increases across a period and decreases down a group in the periodic table. Elements with high ionization energies do not lose electrons easily, making them less reactive (in terms of forming cations). **Electron Affinity:** This refers to the energy change when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gaseous state to form a negative ion. A higher electron affinity indicates a greater tendency to gain an electron. Generally, electron affinity becomes more negative across a period and less negative down a group. **Correlation:** - **Reactivity in Metals:** Metals tend to lose electrons, so lower ionization energy suggests higher reactivity. As such, the decrease in ionization energy down a group explains the increased reactivity of metals in the same group. - **Reactivity in Nonmetals:** Nonmetals tend to gain electrons, so higher (more negative) electron affinity suggests higher reactivity. This is why nonmetals generally show increased reactivity across a period as electron affinity becomes higher. Understanding these trends helps in predicting and explaining the behavior of elements during chemical reactions.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** What are the connections between reactivity and ionization energy/electron affinity trends? Why do the trends correlate? **Explanation:** This inquiry seeks to explore the relationships between chemical reactivity and the periodic trends of ionization energy and electron affinity. **Ionization Energy:** This is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in the gaseous state. Generally, ionization energy increases across a period and decreases down a group in the periodic table. Elements with high ionization energies do not lose electrons easily, making them less reactive (in terms of forming cations). **Electron Affinity:** This refers to the energy change when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gaseous state to form a negative ion. A higher electron affinity indicates a greater tendency to gain an electron. Generally, electron affinity becomes more negative across a period and less negative down a group. **Correlation:** - **Reactivity in Metals:** Metals tend to lose electrons, so lower ionization energy suggests higher reactivity. As such, the decrease in ionization energy down a group explains the increased reactivity of metals in the same group. - **Reactivity in Nonmetals:** Nonmetals tend to gain electrons, so higher (more negative) electron affinity suggests higher reactivity. This is why nonmetals generally show increased reactivity across a period as electron affinity becomes higher. Understanding these trends helps in predicting and explaining the behavior of elements during chemical reactions.
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Introduction

There are many trends in organic chemistry. These trends are atomic size, reactivity, metallic character, non-metallic character, ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy or electron affinity, electronegativity. Ionization enthalpy is the minimum amount of energy that is needed to remove an electron from its valence shell.

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