Question

As you move from top to bottom on the periodic table, what generally happens to the atomic radius?

• A. It decreases
• B. It decreases, then increases
• C. It remains constant
• D. It increases, then decreases
• E. It increases

Answer 1

The correct option is E It increases

Down a group, atomic radius increases. The valence electrons occupy higher levels due to the increasing quantum number (n).

As a result, the valence electrons are further away from the nucleus as ‘n’ increases. Electron shielding prevents these outer electrons from being attracted to the nucleus; thus, they are loosely held, and the resulting atomic radius is large.

Hence, the correct option is $\text{E}$