Based on the R2 values from your graphs, do you think that density trends on the periodic table are linear relationships? What rationale could you offer to explain your answer?
The R2 value established from the group 4 graph demonstrates a linear relationship with a steady increase. The period IV graph provided a very low value of R² = 0.0028 on the linear trendline and presents nearly any correlation at all. The lack of linear trend can be due to other variables present as well as error during experimentation. A more fitting trendline for this graph was found to be the polynomial. It can be seen that the density steadily increases as one looks down a group on the periodic table. This observed trend can be explained because, as one goes down a group, the shielding and number of protons, neutrons, and electrons greatly increase. While the shielding increases the volume
…show more content…
When the shielding and number of subatomic particles increases, as does the density of the atoms. The trend presented in the lab does match those that are established. This is also a logical trend considering the top of the table is where many gases are found, and a gas naturally does not have a large density. The lack of a trend found between the data points for the period IV elements suggests other variables present that affect their densities. There is no linear trend for elemental densities going across a period on the table. Although not linear, a trend that is established is that as one looks across a period there is an increase in density until around group 11 in period IV. This trend varies depending on the row being examined but for the most part has an increase, an area of consistency, then a decrease. This trend can be observed based on the graph comparing Period IV density and atomic number. The point of decrease occurs around atomic number 28. A more appropriately fitting trendline was the