Unit 3: Periodic Trends
In this unit, the focus will be on utilizing models of the atom to predict trends and explain atomic emission spectra through electron placement in atoms.
Enduring Understandings
Students will understand that:
- Electron placement in an atom is associated with a specific photon of energy
- The current model of the atom is based upon the probability of electron density
- Electromagnetic radiation supports the current model of the atom
- Electron placement of an atom is reflected in the trends of the periodic table
Essential Questions
- Why is the atomic emission spectrum of an element unique?
- Why is the current description of an atom based upon the "fuzzy cloud model?"
- How has the model of the atom changed to explain the movement of electrons?
- How do the properties of an element relate to location of the atom's valence electrons and its position on the periodic table?
Essential Skills
The student will be able to:
- Relate electron configuration to the periodic table.
- Relate trends in atomic radii, ionization energy and electronegativity to element location on the periodic table.
- Describe wavelength, frequency and energy of photons related to the electromagnetic spectrum.