IB Chemistry Sub-topic S3.1 Definitions

This page contains our IB Chemistry definitions for sub-topic S3.1. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Chemistry 'Periodic table & trends'.
anion

Non-metals that gain valence electrons to gain a negative charge

atomic radius

Distance from nucleus to valence electron

cation

Positive ions. Commonly metals that lose valence electrons to gain a positive charge.

electron affinity

Energy change during electron addition to an isolated mole of gaseous atoms

electronegativity

Relative measure of the attraction an atom has for a shared pair of electrons when covalently bonded to another atom

electrostatic attraction

The attraction of opposite charges between the positive nucleus and negative electrons

first ionization energy

The energy required to remove one electron from amole of atoms in a gaseous atoms, expressed in kJ/mol

group

one column of the periodic table 

ionic radius

Distance from nucleus to valence electron of cation or anion

nuclear charge

The amount of positive charage in the nucleus, proportional to the number of protons

period

one row of the periodic table 

Periodic table

The periodic table is table of all known elements organized in order of increasing atomic number 

periodicity

The repeating pattern of physical and chemical properties shown by different periods

shielding effect

The effect of inner electrons taking nuclear charge away from the valence electrons

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