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Which of the following is an incorrect statement about the periodic table?

A. Densities and melting points increase across all groups
B. With groups of non-metallic substances, reactivity decreases going down all groups
C. With groups of metals, reactivity increases going down all groups
D. Atomic size increases going down any group and also across any period

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The incorrect statement is D: 'Atomic size increases going down any group and also across any period,' because atomic size decreases across a period but increases down a group.

Step-by-step explanation:

The incorrect statement about the periodic table is option D: Atomic size increases going down any group and also across any period. This statement is not accurate because atomic size actually decreases across a period. As we move from left to right across a period, the number of protons in the nucleus increases, which increases the nuclear charge and pulls the electrons closer. However, atomic size does increase as we go down a group. This is because with each additional shell of electrons, the outermost electrons are further from the nucleus, resulting in a larger atomic radius.

Regarding the other options, densities and melting points generally do not increase across all groups (Option A), and reactivity trends differ between metals and non-metals. Reactivity of non-metallic substances generally decreases going down a group due to increasing size and shielding, which makes it harder for the atom to attract additional electrons (Option B). With groups of metals, reactivity typically increases going down a group because metallic character and the tendency to lose electrons increase (Option C).

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