Answer
Periodic trends displayed by the elements can be explained by structural variations of the atoms. For example, atomic size depends both on the number of protons (and how strongly these protons attract the cloud of electrons) and the number of energy levels occupied by electrons. Ionization energy depends on similar ideas, because the stronger the attraction between protons and electrons, the harder it is to get an electron away from an atom. The opposite idea, that of atoms pulling electrons from another atoms (electronegativity) can be explained similarly. Lastly, ionic size depends on the different orbitals and energy levels of atoms. These variations in structure are what give atoms many of their properties, and the nature of the periodic table provides for periodic trends that illustrate atomic properties.
Work Step by Step
Periodic trends displayed by the elements can be explained by structural variations of the atoms. For example, atomic size depends both on the number of protons (and how strongly these protons attract the cloud of electrons) and the number of energy levels occupied by electrons. Ionization energy depends on similar ideas, because the stronger the attraction between protons and electrons, the harder it is to get an electron away from an atom. The opposite idea, that of atoms pulling electrons from another atoms (electronegativity) can be explained similarly. Lastly, ionic size depends on the different orbitals and energy levels of atoms. These variations in structure are what give atoms many of their properties, and the nature of the periodic table provides for periodic trends that illustrate atomic properties.
