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What is the general trend of atomic size as you move down a group in the periodic table?

Question

What is the general trend of atomic size as you move down a group in the periodic table?

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Solution

As you move down a group in the periodic table, the atomic size generally increases. Here's why:

  1. Addition of Energy Levels: As we move down a group, a new energy level (shell) is added to the atom with each subsequent element. This increases the distance between the nucleus and the outermost shell of the atom, thereby increasing the atomic size.

  2. Shielding Effect: The increase in the number of energy levels also increases the shielding effect. The shielding effect refers to the ability of the inner shell electrons to shield the outer shell electrons from the pull of the nucleus. This reduces the effective nuclear charge experienced by the outermost electrons, allowing them to move further away from the nucleus, which in turn increases the atomic size.

  3. Electron-Electron Repulsion: The increase in the number of electrons as we move down a group also increases electron-electron repulsion. This repulsion pushes the electrons further apart, increasing the atomic size.

So, the general trend is that atomic size increases as you move down a group in the periodic table.

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