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

3907 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Giving the electronic configurations for each element, predict the trend in 1st ionisation energies going across period 2 from Lithium to Neon.


What is orbital hybridisation and its relevance?


Predict the bond angles and shape of a molecule of ammonia.


What is a nucleophile and what is an electrophile?


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