Chemistry 2010 JAMB Past Questions - Question 10: Elements in the same period in the periodic table have the same

Correct Answer

A

Explanation

While elements in the same period of the periodic table share some characteristics, they do not have exactly the same thing. There are two main possibilities depending on what you're looking for: 1. Same number of electron shells: All elements in a period have the same number of electron shells. This means they all have the same maximum principal quantum number (n). However, the configuration of electrons within those shells will differ as you move across the period. 2. Similar chemical properties: Due to having the same outermost (valence) shell, elements within the same period often exhibit similar chemical properties, such as reacting with other elements in similar ways. However, the specific properties will vary depending on the exact number of valence electrons and other factors. For example, all elements in period 2 (Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne) have the same number of electron shells (n=2). However, Lithium (Li) has 1 valence electron, while Fluorine (F) has 7. This difference leads to their distinctly different chemical behaviors. So, remember that elements in the same period do not have the same exact property, but they share a number of electron shells and often have similar, not identical, chemical properties.