Atomic Radius Exploration
Explore the concept of atomic radius, its trends across the periodic table, and factors influencing its size.
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Atomic Radius Exploration
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Show all work where applicable.
1. Which of the following best defines atomic radius?
The distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron shell.
Half the distance between the nuclei of two identical atoms bonded together.
The total volume occupied by an atom.
The radius of the nucleus.
2. As you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table, what generally happens to the atomic radius?
It increases.
It decreases.
It remains constant.
It first increases then decreases.
1. As you move down a group in the periodic table, the atomic radius generally due to the addition of more shells.
2. The effective nuclear charge across a period, leading to a pull on the valence electrons.
1. Cations are generally smaller than their parent atoms.
True
False
2. Anions are generally smaller than their parent atoms.
True
False
1. Explain why the atomic radius decreases across a period.
2. Compare and contrast the atomic radius of Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl).
Draw a simple diagram illustrating the general trend of atomic radius across a period and down a group on a blank periodic table outline. Use arrows to indicate increasing or decreasing trends.