Why does the radius of an atom decrease as you go across (from left to right) a period on the periodic table?

A. because you are adding less energetic electrons

B. because you are adding positively charged protons, which pull in the outer electrons

C. because you are adding more outer level of electrons, decreasing the area in which they can move

D. because you are adding more neutrons, which increases the attraction between proton and electron

Question

Chemistry

Eva Martin

31 July, 17:55

Why does the radius of an atom decrease as you go across (from left to right) a period on the periodic table?

A. because you are adding less energetic electrons

B. because you are adding positively charged protons, which pull in the outer electrons

C. because you are adding more outer level of electrons, decreasing the area in which they can move

D. because you are adding more neutrons, which increases the attraction between proton and electron

+2

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Fisher · Answer 1

The most reasonable anwer would be B

Gwendolyn Morris · Answer 2

Answer is D) because you are adding positively charged protons, which pull in the outer electrons

The radius of an atom decreases because the atomic number, or number of protons is increasing. This not only pulls in the outer electrons due to the increasing positive charge, but also increases the mass of the atom, which has the effect of drawing electrons toward the nucleus.