Atomic Radius

Front

What is atomic radius?

Back

The atomic radius is the distance from the nucleus of an atom to the outermost shell of electrons.

Front

How does atomic radius change across a period in the periodic table?

Back

Atomic radius decreases from left to right across a period due to increased nuclear charge, which pulls electrons closer to the nucleus.

Front

How does atomic radius change down a group in the periodic table?

Back

Atomic radius increases down a group because additional electron shells are added, increasing the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons.

Front

What is the trend in atomic radius for alkali metals?

Back

The atomic radius increases down the group for alkali metals.

Front

Why does iodine have a larger atomic radius than bromine?

Back

Iodine has more occupied energy levels and greater shielding than bromine.

Front

Which group in the periodic table has the smallest atomic radius?

Back

Noble gases have the smallest atomic radius.

Front

What is the relationship between atomic radius and ionization energy?

Back

Generally, as atomic radius increases, ionization energy decreases because the outer electrons are further from the nucleus and are less tightly held.

Front

Which element has a larger atomic radius: potassium or cesium?

Back

Cesium has a larger atomic radius than potassium.

Front

What is the effect of electron shielding on atomic radius?

Back

Electron shielding reduces the effective nuclear charge felt by outer electrons, allowing them to be further from the nucleus, thus increasing atomic radius.

Front

How does the atomic radius of metals compare to nonmetals?

Back

Metals generally have larger atomic radii than nonmetals in the same period.