Question

What is the relationship between the atomic numbers and ionic radii of the elements in the group 2A?

What is the relationship between atomic numbers and first ionization energies? (2A group)

Why do these relationships exist? Propose an explanation for each of these relationships. (2A group)

Are these relationships consistent with the periodic trends that you have been studying? (2A group)

Answer 1

As the atomic number increases, the ionic radius increases.
As the atomic number increases, the first ionization energy decreases.

These trends both exists because as we proceed down the group, the size of the atom increases due to addition of an electron shell. The increased number of electrons increase the shielding effect, meaning the ion is not held together as tightly, increasing its size, and the outer most electrons are not pulled towards the nucleus as strongly, making it easier to remove them.