Question

What are the trends for atomic size and ionization? Explain why for each trend. Tell me the direction- up or down a group and across a period for each trend. Use the lecture, the video at the end of the lecture, or the guide for periodic trends to respond to this prompt.

Answer 1

See explanation

Step-by-step explanation:

Atomic size increases down the group due to the addition of more shells.

As more shells are added and repulsion of inner electrons become more significant, atomic size increases down the group. However, across the period, atomic size decreases due to increase in effective nuclear charge without any increase in the number of shells. This causes increased attraction between the nucleus and the outermost shell thereby decreasing the size of the atom.

Ionization energy decreases down the group because the outermost electron is more shielded by inner electrons making it easier for this outermost electron to be lost. Across the period, ionization energy increases due to increase in effective nuclear charge which makes it more difficult to remove the outermost electron due to increased nuclear attraction.