Understanding Atomic Radius and Periodic Trends

Front

What happens to atomic radius as you move ACROSS a row in the periodic table?

Back

Atomic radius decreases.

Front

Why does atomic radius decrease across a row?

Back

Because there are more protons in the nucleus, which increases the positive charge and pulls electrons closer.

Front

Which element has the smallest atomic radius: Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), or Xenon (Xe)?

Back

Helium (He) has the smallest atomic radius.

Front

What happens to atomic radius as you move DOWN a column in the periodic table?

Back

Atomic radius increases.

Front

Why does atomic radius increase down a column?

Back

Because there are more electron shells/layers.

Front

Do Sodium (Na) and Sulfur (S) have the same number of electron shells?

Back

Yes, they have the same number of rings/energy levels.

Front

As you move across the periodic table, what happens to the size of atoms?

Back

Atoms tend to get smaller.

Front

Why do atoms get smaller as you move across the periodic table?

Back

Because the atoms have more protons.

Front

What is atomic radius?

Back

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

Front

What is the trend of atomic radius in the periodic table?

Back

Atomic radius decreases across a period and increases down a group.