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As we move across a period of the periodic table, why do the sizes of the transition elements change more gradually than those of the representative elements?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The more gradual change in atomic size for transition elements across a period compared to representative elements is mainly due to greater electron shielding experienced by transition elements. This occurs because transition elements have their outer electrons in more diffuse d orbitals, which partially neutralize the increased nuclear charge, allowing for a more gradual change in atomic size as we move across a period.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Atomic Size

Atomic size refers to the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons of an atom. As we move across a period in the periodic table, the atomic size typically decreases. This decrease is due to an increase in the nuclear charge (number of protons), which pulls the electrons closer to the nucleus.
02

Differences between Representative and Transition Elements

Representative elements, also called main group elements, belong to groups 1, 2, and 13 to 18 of the periodic table. In contrast, transition elements are found in groups 3 to 12. The key difference between these two types of elements lies in their electron configurations. Representative elements gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable, full outer electron shell, while transition elements tend to fill their inner d subshells.
03

Electron Shielding in Transition Elements

As we move across a period, the electrons occupy the same energy level but in different orbitals for transition elements. This means that these electrons are in a d subshell apart from the outermost s orbital, while the representative elements' outermost electrons occupy the s or p orbitals in the same energy level. Since the d subshell has more diffused and less tightly held electrons than the s and p orbitals, transition elements experience greater electron shielding. This shielding effect partially neutralizes the increase in nuclear charge, as it keeps the outer electrons from being pulled in as tightly.
04

Gradual Change in Atomic Size for Transition Elements

Due to the greater electron shielding experienced by transition elements, their atomic size does not shrink as rapidly as representative elements as we move across a period. The more diffuse d orbitals mitigate the increased nuclear charge's effect, which causes a more gradual change in atomic size among transition elements. In summary, the sizes of transition elements change more gradually than those of the representative elements across a period because of the greater electron shielding experienced by transition elements due to their d subshell electron configurations.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Consider the isoelectronic ions \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\) and \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\) . (a) Which ion is smaller? (b) Using Equation 7.1 and assuming that core electrons contribute 1.00 and valence electrons contribute nothing to the screening constant, \(S\) , calculate \(Z_{\text { eff}}\) for these two ions. (c) Repeat this calculation using Slater's rules to estimate the screening constant, \(S.\) (d) For isoelectronic ions, how are effective nuclear charge and ionic radius related?

Zincin its \(2+\) oxidation state is an essential metal ion for life. \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) is found bound to many proteins that are involved in biological processes, but unfortunately \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) is hard to detect by common chemical methods. Therefore, scientists who are interested in studying \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) -containing proteins frequently substitute \(\mathrm{Cd}^{2+}\) for \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+},\) since \(\mathrm{Cd}^{2+}\) is easier to detect. (a) On the basis of the properties of the elements and ions discussed in this chapter and their positions in the periodic table, describe the pros and cons of using \(\mathrm{Cd}^{2+}\) as a \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) substitute. (b) Proteins that speed up (catalyze) chemical reactions are called enzymes. Many enzymes are required for proper metabolic reactions in the body. One problem with using \(\mathrm{Cd}^{2+}\) to replace \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) in enzymes is that \(\mathrm{Cd}^{2+}\) substitution can decrease or even eliminate enzymatic activity. Can you suggest a different metal ion that might replace \(Z n^{2+}\) in enzymes instead of \(C d^{2+} ?\) Justify your answer.

Write balanced equations for the following reactions: (a) barium oxide with water, (b) iron(II) oxide with perchloric acid, (c) sulfur trioxide with water, (d) carbon dioxide with aqueous sodium hydroxide.

We will see in Chapter 12 that semiconductors are materials that conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals. The only two elements in the periodic table that are technologically useful semiconductors are silicon and germanium. Integrated circuits in computer chips today are based on silicon. Compound semiconductors are also used in the electronics industry. Examples are gallium arsenide, GaAs; gallium phosphide, GaP; cadmium sulfide, CdS; and cadmium selenide, CdSe. (a) What is the relationship between the compound semiconductors’ compositions and the positions of their elements on the periodic table relative to Si and Ge? (b) Workers in the semiconductor industry refer to "II–VI" and "III–V" materials, using Roman numerals. Can you identify which compound semiconductors are II–VI and which are III–V? (c) Suggest other compositions of compound semiconductors based on the positions of their elements in the periodic table.

Which of the following chemical equations is connected to the definitions of (a) the first ionization energy of oxygen, (b) the second ionization energy of oxygen, and (c) the electron affinity of oxygen? \((\mathbf{i})\mathrm{O}(g)+\mathrm{e}^{-} \longrightarrow \mathrm{o}^{-}(g) \quad\) \((\mathbf{ii})\mathrm{O}(g) \longrightarrow \mathrm{o}^{+}(g)+\mathrm{e}^{-}\) \((\mathbf{iii})\mathrm{O}(g)+2 \mathrm{e}^{-} \longrightarrow \mathrm{O}^{2-}(g) \quad(\mathbf{i v}) \mathrm{O}(g) \longrightarrow \mathrm{O}^{2+}(g)+2 \mathrm{e}^{-}\) \((\mathbf{v}) \mathrm{O}^{+}(g) \longrightarrow \mathrm{O}^{2+}(g)+\mathrm{e}^{-}\)

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