Question

How does the tendency to lose electrons change as u go
a) from left to right across a period?
B Down a group?

Answer 1

a) The tendency to lose electrons decreases from left to right across the periods. This is because the number of valence electrons goes on increasing from left to right across the period. The elements to the left have less than 4 valence electrons so, they can easily lose electrons but the elements to the right have 4 or more than 4 electrons so, they can gain electrons more easily to complete their octet.
b) The tendency to lose electrons increases down the period. This is because the number of shells goes on increasing at every step. So, the nuclear force to hold the valence electrons decreases and the tendency to lose the valence electrons increases.