Question

As atomic number increases and nuclear charge increases, the force of attraction between nucleus and valence electrons increases, hence atomic radii decreases from Li to F?

• A. increases, decreases, decreases, increases
• B. increases, increases, increases, decreases
• C. decreases, decreases, decreases, increases
• D. increases, increases, decreases, decreases

Answer 1

Answer:

B. increases, increases, increases, decreases

With increasing atomic number across a period, nuclear charge increases, pulling electrons closer and reducing atomic radii As atomic number increases across the periodic table, nuclear charge (Z) increases and Z* increases. In turn, the atomic radius decreases because the higher nuclear charge (and thus higher Z*) pulls electrons closer to the nucleus. Atomic radius increases down the periodic table because the shell number increases.