2007-02-25 14:27:53 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
As you proceed downward on the Periodic Table, the atomic numbers increase. Thus, the number of filled orbitals of electrons must also increase; this directly causes atomic radii to increase as well.
2007-02-25 14:30:58 · answer #1 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you go down a group you are adding more energy layers of electrons. Period 2 has 2 layers, period 3 has 3 layers, etc.
So the radius gets larger as you add more layers of electrons
2007-02-25 22:31:16 · answer #2 · answered by reb1240 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because as you go down groups, there are more protons and electrons which mean more mass and more space being taken up....
2007-02-25 22:31:20 · answer #3 · answered by Genevieve R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because there are more electrons and, therefore, more shells to be filled.
Doug
2007-02-25 22:32:21 · answer #4 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋