Question

The decrease in atomic size as you move from left to right across the periodic table becomes less pronounced as you move ________ the periodic table.

A) Down
B) Up
C) Left
D) Right

Answer 1

The decrease in atomic size as you move from left to right across the periodic table becomes less pronounced as you move down the periodic table. Atomic radii generally increase from top to bottom in a group because the valence electrons add in the higher energy levels down the column. However, atomic radii generally decrease from left to right in a row because the valence electrons are in the same energy level while more protons are added to the nucleus, increasing the pull on the valence electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decrease in atomic size as you move from left to right across the periodic table becomes less pronounced as you move down the periodic table.

Atomic radii generally increase from top to bottom in a group because the valence electrons add in the higher energy levels down the column.

However, atomic radii generally decrease from left to right in a row because the valence electrons are in the same energy level while more protons are added to the nucleus, increasing the pull on the valence electrons.