How is it possible that an atom shrinks in size as you move accross a period in the periodic table?

Question

Why is the same trend not true as you move down a group?

Can you give at least one example to support your answer please.



Thank you!!!!!!


I am writing a report and want to make sure I got all the facts correct. Can you help plz?!

Answer 1

the atomic radius of elements get smaller as it moves across the table from left to right. The reason behind this is that Fluourine is the most electronegative atom. As you move closer to this atom on the table, you get atoms with smaller radiuses. The electronegativity causes the atom to have great intermolecular forces, therefore, the atom is pulled more closely together.
For example. Oxygen is going to have a smaller radius than Mg because they are both on the same row, but Oxygen is much closer to fluourine. Therefore, it has much more electronegativity and is pulled in closer than that of Mg.

Oh and the same trend is not true if you move down a colum because as you move down, you are adding more energy levels, this in turn creates more protons, neutrons and electrons. The added amounts of these make for a larger atom
I hope that this helps you out a little.

Answer 2

Atoms shrink is size as they gain more protons because they have a stronger positive charge at the nucleus. This stronger charge attracts the orbiting electrons more strongly, thus pulling them closer to the nucleus.

Closer electrons = less empty space between nucleus and electron cloud = smaller atoms.

At any rate, they do not get smaller as you move DOWN, because the atoms are of different types as you move across a period, but of the same type as you move down columns. I'm linking a periodic table with atomic sizes (in angstroms).

Answer 3

The reason behind these in simple terms is because of the fact that as you move across the periodic table, an electron is added to the last part thus we call it valence electrons. Having increased in the number of electrons, a new element is then formed. Now to your question. The atom needs to exert more energy to keep electrons bonded together so as not to let them drift apart.

Take in mind also that nonmetals tend to gain electrons to make themselves neutral on the contrary, metallic elements tend to lose electron.

Answer 4

i will answer this the perfect i will given how ambiguous your question is. via "shrinks in length" i will assume you're with regard to the decrease in the quantity of area an atom occupies particularly than its finished mass by using fact there at the instant are not any factors that are bigger in mass sort yet decrease in mass). Atoms carry their electrons in orbitals. while an atom has no valence electrons (finished orbitals, noble gases) the fees between the nucleus and electrons supply a tighter "electron cloud".