Question
When you compare the the periods the atomic radius __ as you go down the table. decreases increases
Answer
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Jude
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
increases
Explanation
The question pertains to the trend in atomic radius as one moves down a group in the periodic table. The atomic radius is defined as the distance from the nucleus of an atom to the outermost shell of electrons. As one moves down a group in the periodic table, new electron shells are added. This increases the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electron shell. Despite the increasing nuclear charge that would pull the electron shells closer, the effect of electron shielding and the increased distance due to additional shells generally dominate. This results in an increase in the atomic radius. Therefore, when comparing atomic radii down the groups in the periodic table, the atomic radius increases.