Periodic trends can also be seen in the typical properties of metals and non-metals which are summarised below:
The typical properties of metals and non-metals
The typically properties of metals and non-metals can be explained by reference to their trends in atomic radius, ionic radius, ionisation energy, electron affinity and electronegativity
The low ionisation energies and low electronegativities of metals can account for the ability of their valence electrons to move away from the nucleus
This is known as 'delocalisation' of the electrons
These properties increase from left to right as you transition from metal to metalloid to non-metal
The high electronegativity and electron affinity of non-metals can be related to their tendency to share electrons and form covalent bonds, either with themselves or other non-metal elements
The similarities in electronegativities of the diagonal band of metalloids which divides the metals from the non-metals explains the behaviour of metalloids
Test yourself on the trends in the periodic table:
Worked Example
Which increase across a period from left to right?
Answer:
The correct option is D
Across a period atomic radius decreases, electronegativity and ionisation energy increase and ionic radius increases then decreases