Why does the atomic radius decrease as you move along a period.

As you move along the period the proton number increases and the electrons are added to the same shell meaning no extra electron shielding occurs. Therefore the nuclear attraction to the outer most electron increases across the group and therefore the atomic radius decreases.

TM
Answered by Taylor M. Chemistry tutor

3275 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Work out the shape of an SF6 molecule


When composing a mechanism in organic chemistry, how do I use curly arrows?


What is meant by the 'First Ionisation Energy' of an element?


What is the difference between intermolecular and intramolecular bonds.


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