Why does atomic size increase down a group?
1 Answer
Atomic size INCREASES down a Group, but DECREASES across a Period.
Explanation:
As we go across a Period, a row, of the Periodic Table, from left to right as we FACE the Table, we add another positive charge (a proton, a fundamental, positively charged nuclear particle) to the nucleus. This results in a DECREASE in atomic radii across the Period, due to the increased nuclear charge which draws in the valence electrons.
On the other hand, going down a Group, we go to another so-called shell of electrons, that build on the preceding shell. Atomic radii thus INCREASE down the Group. This contest between nuclear charge, i.e.
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