Why does nuclear radius decrease and first ionisation energy increase across the period?

As we move across the period electrons occupy the same outer electron shell, having roughly the same distance to the nucleus. Moving across the period nuclear charge increases as the number of protons in the nucleus increases, conversly nuclear shielding remains about the same across the row meaning the effective nuclear attraction rises and therefore the nuclear radius also reduces. Because the attraction betweent outer electrons and the nuclear is higher, more energy is required to ionise the atom (remove an electron).

JM
Answered by James M. Chemistry tutor

3936 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Rank the following compounds in acending order of melting point (and explain your reasoning): CH3CH2CH2NH2, CH3CH2CH3, CH3CH2CH2OH


The lattice enthalpies of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide are different. Comment on this difference.


What is hybridisation and how can it be used to explain the shapes of molecules?


How does electrophilic aromatic substitution occur?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning