IB Chemistry SL S3.1 The periodic table: classification of elements questions

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Question 1

Multiple choiceMedium1 mark

The atomic radii of lithium and sodium are 152 pm and 186 pm, respectively. What is the percentage increase in atomic radius from lithium to sodium, and which element has the greater metallic character?

Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. The percentage increase is [(186 − 152)/152] × 100 = 22.4%. Metallic character increases down group 1, so sodium has the greater metallic character.

B: Calculates the percentage correctly but reverses the group 1 trend.
C: Uses the difference, 34 pm, as the percentage without dividing by the starting radius.
D: Expresses the final radius as a percentage of the starting radius but does not subtract the initial 100%.

Remember: calculate a percentage increase relative to the starting value.

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