Atomic Structure, Periodic Table & Investigations

WACE Content Compare the relative charge and relative masses of protons, neutrons and electrons identify element using their atomic number(Z) explain isotopes using their atomic number(Z) and mass number(A) use the energy level or shell model of electron structure to write the electron configurations for the first twenty elements (Na 2,8,1) explain the relationship between position on the Periodic Table and number of valence electrons of elements in groups 1, 2 and 13-18 explain the relationship between the number of valence elections and chemical properties of elements in groups 1, 2 and 13-18 explain the formation of positive and negative ions for elements in groups 1, 2 and 13-18 Applied Explain how to carry out a fair investigation. Including all variables, techniques for measuring and safety considerations.

Relative Charge Proton Neutron Electron 1+1 0 -1

Relative Mass 1 1 0

The atomic number(Z) of a element is simply the number of protons in an atom. The number of protons in a atom is how it is identified as that element, as that number is specific to that element. E.g. Hydrogen atomic no. is 1, i.e. 1 proton .: has to be hydrogen. Calcium atomic no. is 20, i.e. 20 protons .: has to be calcium. Isotopes are versions of an element that have different mass number(A) but still the same atomic number. This is because they have a different number of neutrons. E.g. C 12, C13 and C14 are all still carbon but one has 6 neutrons, one has 7 neutrons and one has 8 neutrons. An atom has several shells of electrons. The first shell has only two electrons, the second shell has eight electrons as well as the third and the fourth has two also(up to Calcium only). An neutral atom has the same amount of electrons that it has of protons, .: the element nitrogen has 5 protons and 5 electrons. Electron configurations are a way of writing the amount of electrons that enables use to identify specific elements. E.g. Sodium has an electron configuration of 2,8,1. Calcium has an electron configuration of 2,8,8,2. Therefore the electron configuration of 2,8 could be either neon as a neutral atom or an ion that has gained or lost electrons to become like neon. E.g. - Na+ = 2,8.

+1 1 +2 2

The number of valence electrons can be predicted by the elements position in the periodic table. The group it is in predicts the number of valence electrons it has. The one exception being helium which is in group 18 but has only two valence electrons unlike the others in group 18. This is because helium +3 -3 -2 -1 18 13 14 15 16 17 only has the first shell which can only contain two electrons.
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Each group of element display similar characteristics. The elements in group 18 do not react. This is because they have a full valence shell and do not need to gain or loose any electrons. These elements are called the noble gases and all the elements try to gain or lose electron in order to be like them, i.e. have a full valence shell.

Elements in group 1 and group 17 are very reactive because they only have to loose or gain 1 electron. The more electrons an element has to loose or gain the less reactive the element is. Alkali metals reacting with water: Alkali metals react vigorously with water. This is because they only have one outer most electron that is easily removed. Reactivity with water increase down the group as the valence electron is further away from the nucleus and becomes easier to remove. The Reaction is exothermic. The reaction between caesium and water is so exothermic that it basically explodes. Halogens reacting with halide ions: The halogens gain an electron from the halide ions they are good oxidising agents. Ion formation is the gain or loss of electrons from the outer valence level of an atom so that it acquires a negative or positive charge the value of which is determined by the number of electrons gained or lost. The is so that it can form a stable electron configuration. E.g. - Like a noble gas.

Investigations A hypothesis is a statement that has been formed to resolve a specific question. It clearly identifies two variables (dependant and independent) as well as how the designer of the experiment expects them to react together. E.g. - The rate of reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium carbonate increases as the temperature of the reacting mixture increases. Independent variable: It is the variable that has been changed purposely during an investigation. Dependent variable: It is the variable that will be measured during the experiment and is influenced by the independent variable. Controlled variables: These are the variables that are kept at a constant during the experiment in order for it to be a fair test. If there is more than one independent variable you can not tell which is affecting the experiment. When recording a measurement from a digital display record every digit or significant figure so as to be as accurate as possible. Realistically however after 5 or 6 significant figures you can probably stop. When recording a measurement from a scale read from the bottom of the meniscus however the finally digit is known to have some uncertainty some be as fair as possible. When forming an investigation consider the safety hazards and procedures the can be used to avoid accidents. Tie up long hair, wear safety glasses, be careful with chemicals, be aware of what chemical you are handling (by either researching them or the MSDS handbook, etc.), don't run in the lab, etc.
Meniscus

Designing an Investigation Question: Clarify what you want to investigate. Hypothesis: Form a hypothesis. Controlled variables: Identify variables ad how to keep them constant. Method: Decide how you will change the independent variable and what observations need to be made. Decide how to record the observation. Design: Determine the procedure and what equipment is needed. Perform: Do the experiment. Data Analysis: With reference to the data conclude on the validity of the hypothesis and the reliability of the data. Reflect: Consider weaknesses in the investigation and how these might be avoided. Report: Write a report on your investigation to let others know

Good References: Essential Chemistry - Chapter 3, Investigations http://www.studentbox.com.au/profiles/blogs/chemistry-1 heaps of revision note and practice questions.