Question detail
Which of the following best explains the trend in melting points across Period 3?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Periodicity
Question
- A. Melting points decrease due to weaker metallic bonding
- B. Melting points increase due to stronger covalent bonds
- C. Melting points vary due to different types of bonding and structure
- D. Melting points are constant across Period 3
Answer
Melting points vary due to different types of bonding and structure
Explanation
The melting points across Period 3 vary because of the different types of bonding and structures present in the elements. For instance, sodium and magnesium have metallic bonding, while silicon has a giant covalent structure, leading to higher melting points. This is supported by data showing that melting points do not follow a simple increasing or decreasing trend.
Common mistake
Misinterpreting Periodic Trends
Students often confuse the trends in atomic radius and ionisation energy across Period 3, thinking they behave similarly.
To fix this, students should focus on the underlying reasons for each trend, such as electron shielding and effective nuclear charge, which influence atomic radius and ionisation energy differently.
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