Question

The atomic radius of an element ____________ when you move from the top to the bottom of a family. decreases increases

Answer 1

Answer:

The atomic radius of an element increase when you move from the top to the bottom of a family.

Explanation:

As we move down the group atomic radii increased with increase of atomic number. The addition of electron in next level cause the atomic radii to increased. The hold of nucleus on valance shell become weaker because of shielding of electrons thus size of atom increased.

As the size of atom increases the ionization energy from top to bottom also  decreases because it becomes easier to remove the electron because of less nuclear attraction and as more electrons are added the outer electrons becomes more shielded and away from nucleus.

while in case of period atomic radius decrease as we move from left to right because the electrons are added with in the same shell. When the electron are added, at the same time protons are also added in the nucleus. The positive charge is going to increase and this charge is greater in effect than the charge of electrons. This effect lead to the greater nuclear attraction. The electrons are pull towards the nucleus and valance shell get closer to the nucleus. As a result of this greater nuclear attraction atomic radius decreases