Describe and explain the trend in atomic radii across the periodic table
Atomic radii decreases in size, moving from left to right in the periodic table.
This is because atoms on the right hand side of a period have a larger number of protons. So, there is a greater positive charge for atoms on the right hand side, like Neon with which to attract negative electrons. This causes the electrons to be pulled in with more force towards the nucleus, decreasing the radius.
Related Chemistry A Level answers
All answers ▸How to formulate and balance a redox equation under acidic conditions
What happens to the physical properties(solubility/boiling/melting point) as chain length increases, and as functional groups are added onto the chemical compound?
Explain why the first ionisation energy of sulphur is lower than that of phosphorus.
How do induced dipole to dipole interactions (London forces) occur?