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

42759 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does reacting a bromoalkane with ammonia result in a quaternary ammonium salt and not an amine?


Explain why first ionisation energy decreases down a group.


What is the acid dissociation constant, Ka of the 0.150 mol dm–3 solution of weak acid HA with pH of 2.34?


How do London Forces/Van der Waal's forces arise?


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