Lab: Valence Electrons
Objective: To show valence electrons of families on Periodic Table, and to predict reactivity based on valence.
Background:
Electrons in the outermost energy levels are called _
Valence
__ __
Electrons
__.
The electrons move to make a __ full
__ __ outer
____ energy level.
*The movement of the valence electrons determines what type of _ bonding
__ occurs.
*The movement of the valence electrons determines the how _ easily
_ the element does chemical reactions, or the chemical __ reactivity
___ of the element.
*The _ fewer
__ the valence electrons that have to move, the _ more
__ reactive the element.
Only _
Noble
____ __
Gas
__ Family has a complete outer energy level.
*The elements in this family are called __ inert
_ (inactive) ___ because the elements do
NOT participate in chemical reactions easily.
Due to the Octet Rule, electrons like to be in groups of ______
8
______.
Valence Electrons Family
Alkali Metals
Alkaline Earth Metals
Boron Family
Carbon Family
Nitrogen Family
Oxygen Family
1
2
3
4
5
6

Halogen Family
Noble Gases
7
8
Procedure:
1.
Draw the atomic structure of the assigned atom on the index card.
2.
Glue beads to represent the valence electrons for that element.
3.
Tape the index card to the Periodic Table on the wall.
4.
After everyone has taped an atom to the wall, answer the analysis and conclusion questions.
Analysis and Conclusion:
1.
What do you notice about the members of the family?_____________________________
All the members of a family have the same number of valence electrons.
2.
Which two families are the most reactive? _
Alkali Metals Family and
Halogen Family
Explain your answer.________________________________________________________
Only one valence electron is moved to make a complete outer energy level.
The fewer the valence electrons that are moved, the less energy needed to move them.
3.
Which two families are the next most reactive?
Alkaline Earth Metals Family and Oxygen Family
Explain your answer._________________________________________________________
Only two valence electrons are moved to make a full outer energy level.
4.
Which family is the least reactive?
Noble Gas Family
____

Explain your answer._________________________________________________________
These elements already have a complete outer energy level.
Electrons do not need to be moved to make the outer energy level full.