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

39866 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why hydrogen bonding occurs between water molecules


State the element in period 3 that has the highest melting point and explain your answer.


In what conditions does sodium chloride conduct electricity and why?


Why are teachers now saying electrons are in orbitals? I thought they moved around shells?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning