Explain the trend in atomic radii from Lithium to Fluorine?

As we go from Li to F, atomic radius of the atoms will DECREASE. This is due to increased nuclear charge (number of protons within each atom). Although the number of electrons also increases, each additional electron is placed within the same electron shell, so all the electrons are the same distance from the nucleus. This means the increased nuclear charge has a greater force of attraction on the electrons, drawing them closer to the nucleus, hence causing a decrease in atomic radius.

AH
Answered by Alexander H. Chemistry tutor

40974 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

State how you would test a solution for the presence of sulfate ions? Explain, using an ionic equation, what you would expect to observe in the presence of sulfate ions.


How would you expect the H-NMR spectrum of ethanol to differ from the H-NMR spectrum of ethane?


Methylpropene reacts with hydrogen bromide to form 2-bromo-2-methylpropane, draw the mechanism and state the major products.


Why do ionisation energies have a general increase across periods?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning