Explain why the atomic radii of the elements decrease across Period 3 from sodium to chlorine

As you go across the period from sodium to chlorine, the number of protons in the nucleus increase.As protons are positively charged, they attract the outer electrons; as the number of protons increase, the attraction is greater and therefore the radius decreases.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does Phosphorus have a higher melting point than Chlorine?


Why does ionisation energy increase across a period?


Describe the reasons why the rates of strontium and barium with water is different


What are the Key features of benzene?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences