When we look at the periodic table, we can see some interesting patterns about how valence electrons work. Here are a few important things to know:
Group Trend: As you move down the table in a group, each element has an extra layer of electrons around its nucleus. For example, lithium (Li) has 1 valence electron. Sodium (Na) has 1 valence electron too, even though it’s lower on the table.
Period Trend: When you move across a row in the table (from left to right), the number of valence electrons goes up. For example, in the second row, beryllium (Be) has 2, boron (B) has 3, and it keeps increasing until we reach neon (Ne), which has 8.
Reactivity: Groups with fewer valence electrons, like the alkali metals, are usually more reactive. This means they can easily gain or lose electrons!
In short, the periodic table acts like a guide to help us understand how different elements interact based on their valence electrons!
When we look at the periodic table, we can see some interesting patterns about how valence electrons work. Here are a few important things to know:
Group Trend: As you move down the table in a group, each element has an extra layer of electrons around its nucleus. For example, lithium (Li) has 1 valence electron. Sodium (Na) has 1 valence electron too, even though it’s lower on the table.
Period Trend: When you move across a row in the table (from left to right), the number of valence electrons goes up. For example, in the second row, beryllium (Be) has 2, boron (B) has 3, and it keeps increasing until we reach neon (Ne), which has 8.
Reactivity: Groups with fewer valence electrons, like the alkali metals, are usually more reactive. This means they can easily gain or lose electrons!
In short, the periodic table acts like a guide to help us understand how different elements interact based on their valence electrons!