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Understanding Periodic Trends in Chemistry

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Taylar

12/8/2025

Chemistry

Periodic Trends

41

Dec 8, 2025

2 pages

Understanding Periodic Trends in Chemistry

Periodic trends reveal how atomic properties change in predictable ways... Show more

Ch. 6-Section 3 (Periodic Trends)
•Trends in Atomic Size
-Way to think about atomre size is look at units formed when atoms
of some element

Atomic Size and Ionization Trends

Atomic size is one of the key properties that changes systematically across the periodic table. Scientists measure atomic radius (half the distance between nuclei of two bonded atoms) to determine an atom's size, often in picometers (pm).

Notice these clear patterns: atoms get larger as you move down a group (column) because more energy levels are being added. As you move across a period (row), atoms get smaller because the stronger nuclear charge pulls electrons closer. These patterns will help you predict relative sizes of any elements!

When atoms gain or lose electrons, they form ions with charges. Metals typically lose electrons to form positively charged cations (like Na⁺), while nonmetals usually gain electrons to form negatively charged anions (like Cl⁻). The energy needed to remove an electron is called ionization energy, which decreases down a group and increases across a period.

Remember this! First ionization energy shows opposite trends from atomic radius - when atoms get smaller, ionization energy gets larger (and vice versa).

Ch. 6-Section 3 (Periodic Trends)
•Trends in Atomic Size
-Way to think about atomre size is look at units formed when atoms
of some element

Ionic Size and Electronegativity

When atoms transform into ions, their size changes predictably. Cations (positively charged ions) are smaller than their parent atoms because they've lost electrons while keeping the same nuclear charge. Anions (negatively charged ions) grow larger than their parent atoms since they've gained electrons that repel each other.

Ionic size follows the same general trend as atomic size - increasing as you go down a group and decreasing as you move across a period from left to right. This pattern helps you predict how ions will behave in compounds.

Electronegativity measures how strongly an atom attracts electrons when it's in a compound. This property is crucial for understanding bond types and molecular behavior. Like ionization energy, electronegativity decreases as you move down a group and increases as you move across a period from left to right.

Quick tip: Elements with high electronegativity (upper right corner of the periodic table like fluorine and oxygen) tend to form strong bonds by aggressively attracting electrons from other atoms.



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Marco B

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Chemistry

41

Dec 8, 2025

2 pages

Understanding Periodic Trends in Chemistry

Periodic trends reveal how atomic properties change in predictable ways across the periodic table. Understanding these patterns helps you predict chemical behavior and bond formation without having to memorize properties for every element.

Ch. 6-Section 3 (Periodic Trends)
•Trends in Atomic Size
-Way to think about atomre size is look at units formed when atoms
of some element

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Atomic Size and Ionization Trends

Atomic size is one of the key properties that changes systematically across the periodic table. Scientists measure atomic radius (half the distance between nuclei of two bonded atoms) to determine an atom's size, often in picometers (pm).

Notice these clear patterns: atoms get larger as you move down a group (column) because more energy levels are being added. As you move across a period (row), atoms get smaller because the stronger nuclear charge pulls electrons closer. These patterns will help you predict relative sizes of any elements!

When atoms gain or lose electrons, they form ions with charges. Metals typically lose electrons to form positively charged cations (like Na⁺), while nonmetals usually gain electrons to form negatively charged anions (like Cl⁻). The energy needed to remove an electron is called ionization energy, which decreases down a group and increases across a period.

Remember this! First ionization energy shows opposite trends from atomic radius - when atoms get smaller, ionization energy gets larger (and vice versa).

Ch. 6-Section 3 (Periodic Trends)
•Trends in Atomic Size
-Way to think about atomre size is look at units formed when atoms
of some element

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ionic Size and Electronegativity

When atoms transform into ions, their size changes predictably. Cations (positively charged ions) are smaller than their parent atoms because they've lost electrons while keeping the same nuclear charge. Anions (negatively charged ions) grow larger than their parent atoms since they've gained electrons that repel each other.

Ionic size follows the same general trend as atomic size - increasing as you go down a group and decreasing as you move across a period from left to right. This pattern helps you predict how ions will behave in compounds.

Electronegativity measures how strongly an atom attracts electrons when it's in a compound. This property is crucial for understanding bond types and molecular behavior. Like ionization energy, electronegativity decreases as you move down a group and increases as you move across a period from left to right.

Quick tip: Elements with high electronegativity (upper right corner of the periodic table like fluorine and oxygen) tend to form strong bonds by aggressively attracting electrons from other atoms.

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What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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4.9/5

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Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user