Question

Hi my loves, I would greatly appreciate some help. My question is why does the atomic radius vary from the electron orbitals.

Answer 1

this can be explained by electron shell theory of the atom

Answer 2

The way atomic radius varies with increasing atomic number can be explained by the arrangement of electrons in shells of fixed capacity. Shells closer to the nucleus—those with a smaller radius—are generally filled first, since the negatively charged electrons are attracted by the positively charged protons in the nucleus. As the atomic number increases along a row of the periodic table, additional electrons are added to the same, outermost shell. The radius of this shell gradually contracts as the attraction between the additional electrons and the nucleus increases. In a noble gas, the outermost shell is completely filled. Therefore, the additional electron of next alkali metal (one row down on the periodic table) will go into a new outer shell, accounting for the sudden increase in the atomic radius.

Answer 3

Thank you!