Introduction
In this tutorial you will explore how the values of various physical properties, such as atomic radius and melting point, show a repeating pattern, or periodicity, when plotted against atomic number.
The tutorial will concentrate on periods 1,2 and 3, as well as exploring some trends down the alkali metal group and the halogen group.
Use the program below to compare and contrast trends across periods 1, 2 and 3 and then move on to the next page.
- Click on the x-axis with your mouse to view electron configuration.
- Note that the ionic radius is quoted for an ion that is isoelectronic with a noble gas. For example in periods 1 and 2 the following ions are used for the ionic radius data:
| Isoelectronic with helium |
Isoelectronic with neon |
| 1- for hydrogen |
4- for carbon |
| 1+ for lithium |
1- for fluorine |
|