Explaining the Proton-to-Electron Ratio in the Periodic Table

In summary, the atomic size decreases as we move from left to right in the periodic table due to the increase in nuclear charge. This is because the nucleus acts as a large positive particle that pulls each electron individually. The ratio of 1:1 between protons and electrons does not cancel out the electric field, but rather, increasing the nuclear charge increases the pull on each electron, leading to a decrease in atomic radius. To understand why, one can look into Coulomb's Law, which expresses the force on charged particles as F=k Q q/ r^2. As the distance between the outer shell and nucleus remains constant, an increase in both electron and proton charges results in a stronger force of attraction.
  • #1
Karan Punjabi
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Hey guys we say that when in periodic table we go from left to right atomic size decreases because of increase in nuclear charge in the same shell but my question is that the electron to proton ratio is 1:1 then how nuclear charge is increased. Some say nuclear charge is concentrated but my attention is still there on 1:1 ratio of proton to electron. Can u explain this ?
 
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  • #2
You seem to have the idea that each proton and electron cancel out the other's electric field. Really, the nucleus acts as a large positive particle that pulls each electron individually. Increasing the charge of the nucleus increases the pull, thereby decreasing the atomic radius.
 
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Likes Dr. Courtney
  • #3
Alexmer said:
You seem to have the idea that each proton and electron cancel out the other's electric field. Really, the nucleus acts as a large positive particle that pulls each electron individually. Increasing the charge of the nucleus increases the pull, thereby decreasing the atomic radius.
You want to say that i shouldn't see to that ratio of 1:1 but to consider as nuclear charge increases in a particular shell so it attracts electrons more strongly. Like this?
 
  • #4
Yes. Look into Coulomb's Law if you would like to understand why.
 
  • #5
Alexmer said:
Yes. Look into Coulomb's Law if you would like to understand why.
Ohk ty
 
  • #6
Hey i went for Coulomb's law its force on charged particles are expressed mathematically as F=k Q q/ r^2 that means as distance between outer shell and nucleus is constant but both electron charge and proton charges are increasing so the force of attraction will be increased
 

Related to Explaining the Proton-to-Electron Ratio in the Periodic Table

1. What is the proton-to-electron ratio in the periodic table?

The proton-to-electron ratio in the periodic table is the number of protons (positively charged particles) compared to the number of electrons (negatively charged particles) in an atom of a specific element. This ratio is important because it determines the chemical and physical properties of an element.

2. How does the proton-to-electron ratio affect an element's position in the periodic table?

The proton-to-electron ratio plays a crucial role in determining an element's position in the periodic table. Elements with the same number of protons and electrons will have similar chemical properties and therefore be placed in the same column or group. Elements with different ratios will have different properties and be placed in different rows or periods.

3. Why does the proton-to-electron ratio increase as you move across a period in the periodic table?

As you move across a period in the periodic table, the number of protons and electrons increases. This is because elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, which is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus. Therefore, the proton-to-electron ratio increases as you move across a period.

4. How does the proton-to-electron ratio affect an element's reactivity?

The proton-to-electron ratio determines an element's reactivity. Elements with a high ratio, meaning more protons than electrons, tend to be more reactive because they have a stronger positive charge and are more likely to form bonds with other elements to achieve a more stable configuration. Elements with a low ratio, meaning more electrons than protons, tend to be less reactive as they have a stronger negative charge and are less likely to form bonds.

5. Can the proton-to-electron ratio be changed?

The proton-to-electron ratio of an element cannot be changed as it is determined by the number of protons and electrons in the atom's nucleus. However, the ratio can be altered in certain situations, such as during chemical reactions or nuclear reactions, where protons and electrons can be gained or lost, resulting in a change in the element's properties and position in the periodic table.

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