Lab Activity: Periodicity of Properties of the Elements on Microsoft Excel
Background
The periodic table is an arrangement of elements based on atomic number. The modern
Periodic Table was developed in 1913 by Henry Moseley. He used X-rays to identify the atomic
number of each element. When elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, their
physical and chemical properties show a periodic pattern.
There are many measurements that help us predict the chemical behavior of an element.
These measurements are all related to either the number of valence electrons of the attraction
between the valence electrons and the nucleus of an atom. These measurements include Ionization
Energy, Electronegativity, and Atomic Radius.
At the end of this lab you will each be handing in print outs of your data and graphs along
with your written conclusion.
Purpose
To plot several properties of elements and observe the regularities in these properties
Materials
Chemistry Reference Table, Microsoft Excel
Instructions
1) Open Microsoft Excel
2) Enter headings in each of the following cells
A1: Element Symbol
B1: Atomic Number
C1: Ionization Energy
D1: Electronegativity
E1: Atomic Radius
3) Using your reference tables, enter the appropriate values for each column. You will record
data for element 1-36 (H-Kr) For column D, Electronegativity: Enter “0” for noble gases He, Ne,
Ar, Kr
4) You will analyze the data entered using three separate graphs!
Graph 1:
Atomic Number
X series: B2:B37
vs.
Ionization Energy
Y series: C2:C37
Graph 2:
Atomic Number
X series: B2:B37
vs.
Electronegativity
Y series: D2:D37
Graph 3:
Atomic Number
X series: B2:B37
vs.
Atomic Radius
Y series: E2:E37
To construct each graph:
a. Click on the letter for Atomic Number (B), (the whole column should be highlighted) then hold
down the Control key and click on the letter C of the column for Ionization Energy. Both columns
should be highlighted.
b. Go to “Insert” and select “Chart”. Click on Chart Type “XY Scatter” and select a subtype that has
the points connected by lines.
c. Click on “Next>”
d. Click on “Next>” again
e. Under “Chart Title” click and type “(Your initials) Atomic Number vs. Ionization Energy”
Make sure your partner’s and your initials are on the title.
f. Click on “Category X axis” and type “Atomic Number”
g. Click on “Category Y axis” and type “ Ionization Energy (kJ/mol)”
h. Click on “Next>”
i. Save as “New Sheet Chart 1” (Chart # will change with graphs)
j. Click on “Finish”
k. The chart is saved on Chart 1, on the bottom of the sheet click on Sheet 1. This should lead you
back to the original data tables.
l. Repeat for the two other graphs
m. Print all of the sheets, including the data table.
n. If you have not printed out all of your graphs by the end of the period, save your Excel file in the U:
drive in the Falk folder.
Conclusion Questions (To be handed in with the data):
1. On graph 1. Circle and identify the peaks and valleys on the graphs. Which groups tend to have high
ionization energy? Which groups tend to have low ionization energy?
2. On graph 2. Circle and identify the peaks and valleys on the graphs. Which groups tend to have high
electronegativity? Which groups tend to have low electronegativity?
3. On graph 3. Circle and identify the peaks and valleys on the graphs. Which groups tend to have the
largest radius? Which groups tend to have the smallest radius?
4. What is the explanation of the trends observed across a period? (Discuss the relationship between
nuclear charge, principal energy levels, and attraction between the nucleus and valence electrons)
Conclusion (To be handed in):
From this lab I learned…