Within a period, what happens to the atomic radius as the atomic nuber increases? Why?

Question

My super intelligent chemistry teach told me that my answer could NOT have directions in it or else no exception s and it will absolutely be mark wrong and this question is worth more than half of the wjole test someone please help me im desperate for the right answer please help me!!!

Answer 1

I found the answer already here in wyzant answers 

 

Why does atomic number increase as atomic radius decreases?
Why does atomic number increase as atomic radius decreases? This is for chemistry class.

12/20/2012 | Jose from Nashville, TN | 3 Answers | 0 Votes
Chemistry
Mark favorite Subscribe Comment
Answer this question
3 ANSWERS

Rizul N.
Cary, NC
+
3 0
Ahh a wonderful question.

Remember that as atomic numbers increase, the number of protons increase as well in the nucleus. This concentration of positive charge in the middle of an atom makes all the electrons come closer to the nucleus. Note that opposite charges attract (electrons are negative and protons are positive). Thus, the radius of the atom decreases because the electron cloud is less spread out.

As we go down the table, the number of shells increase. Think of a chocolate truffle. Instead of just 1 harder chocolate shell, as you go down the table, you could have 3 or more shells. thickness of these shells and the addition of orbitals that come with it makes the radius even larger.