4 - Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table (Groups 1 and 2)

Question 1

Trend in atomic radius?

Answer 1

Increases down the group.

Number of electron shells increases down the group.

Question 2

Trend in melting point?

Answer 2

• Melting points decreases down the group.
• Atomic size increases, so strength of metallic bonding decreases. Distance between positive metal cations and delocalised electrons increases.
• Therefore the electrostatic forces of attraction between the positive cations and delocalised electrons weaken.