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The atomic radius _________________ down a group. Explain why

User Rajitha Siriwardena
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In general, atomic radius decreases across a period and increases down a group.
Across a period, effective nuclear charge increases as electron shielding remains constant. A higher effective nuclear charge causes greater attractions to the electrons, pulling the electron cloud closer to the nucleus which results in a smaller atomic radius.
Down a group, the number of energy levels (n) increases, so there is a greater distance between the nucleus and the outermost orbital. This results in a larger atomic radius.
User Jcelgin
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