Periodic Trends

Periodic trends refer to predictable patterns observed in the properties of elements across the periodic table, which arise from their electron configurations. As you move from left to right across a period, elements generally become less metallic, have higher ionization energies (more energy needed to remove an electron), and attract electrons more strongly (higher electronegativity). Down a group, elements tend to become more metallic, have lower ionization energies, and electrons are added to higher energy levels, making them larger. These trends help predict how elements will behave chemically and physically based on their position in the table.