The elements in Group IV of the periodic table become more metallic in character down the group - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 12
The elements in Group IV of the periodic table become more metallic in character down the group. This trend is best explained by the
A. core charge decreasing.
B. at... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The elements in Group IV of the periodic table become more metallic in character down the group - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. core charge decreasing.
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Answer
As you move down the group, the core charge effectively remains the same because the number of protons increases at a greater rate than the shielding effect from the inner electrons. Thus, core charge does not explain the observed trend.
Step 2
B. atomic size increasing.
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Answer
The atomic size increases down the group due to the addition of electron shells. This increase results in the outermost electrons being further from the nucleus, making it easier for these electrons to be lost, which contributes to increased metallic character. Hence, this is the correct explanation.
Step 3
C. ionisation energy increasing.
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Answer
Ionisation energy typically decreases down a group because the outer electrons are further from the nucleus and experience less attraction. Therefore, this option does not explain the increasing metallic character.
Step 4
D. number of outer shell electrons decreasing.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect as the number of outer shell electrons remains constant for Group IV elements, with four electrons in the outer shell regardless of the element's position in the group.
