Question

How does atomic radius change within a group (column)?

A. It tends to increase.

B. It first increases, then decreases.

C. It does not change.

D. It tends to decrease.

E. It first decreases, then increases.

Answer 1

Is A the correct answer?

Answer 2

Yes, it tends to increase as you move down the group. This possibly due to 2 reasons.

1) The outermost electrons are further away, so pull from the protons is not as strong.
2) The inner electrons cancel out the positive charge of the proton, plus repel the outer electrons, so these electrons are more loosely held and are further away.

Answer 3

thanks!