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Periodic Table Trends: Sample Problems

Try each one on paper first. Only then reveal the solution — reading a worked answer you never attempted teaches you almost nothing.

  1. 1. Rank Mg, Na, and Cl by increasing atomic radius.

  2. 2. Which has the higher first ionization energy, N or O? Explain the surprise.

  3. 3. Explain why K⁺ is smaller than K.

Al the Gator, the school mascot, wearing a lab coat with a blue D

Al says…

Fluorine is the champion of almost everything — highest electronegativity, small radius, huge ionization energy. When in doubt, point toward the upper right.