State the trend in atomic radius across Period 3.
The electrical conductivity of the elements in Period 3 varies across the period as shown in Fig. 1.1.
Fig. 1.1
i) Explain why aluminium has a much higher electrical conductivity than sulfur. You should refer to the structure of both elements.
[2]
ii) Explain why aluminium has a higher electrical conductivity than magnesium.
[2]
The melting points of three successive elements in Period 3 are shown in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1
Element | Melting point / °C |
|---|---|
Aluminium | 660 |
Silicon | 1410 |
Phosphorus | 44 |
i) Explain, referring to its structure and bonding, why the melting point of silicon is high.
[3]
ii) Explain, referring to its structure and bonding, why the melting point of phosphorus is low.
[2]
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