Explain the trend in atomic radii from Lithium to Fluorine?

As we go from Li to F, atomic radius of the atoms will DECREASE. This is due to increased nuclear charge (number of protons within each atom). Although the number of electrons also increases, each additional electron is placed within the same electron shell, so all the electrons are the same distance from the nucleus. This means the increased nuclear charge has a greater force of attraction on the electrons, drawing them closer to the nucleus, hence causing a decrease in atomic radius.

AH
Answered by Alexander H. Chemistry tutor

42744 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference in kinetics between a 0th, 1st and 2nd order reaction?


Explain electrophilic aromatic substitution?


Explain why the boiling point of PH3 is lower than the boiling point of AsH3


Why is benzene more stable than expected?


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