Where is the largest atomic radius located on the periodic table?

Study for the IMAT Chemistry Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions; hints and explanations included for each question. Prepare effectively for your exam.

Multiple Choice

Where is the largest atomic radius located on the periodic table?

Explanation:
The biggest atomic radius occurs where there are many electron shells and the outer electrons feel a relatively weak pull from the nucleus. Atomic radius grows as you go down a group because each new period adds a shell, pushing outer electrons farther out. It shrinks as you move across a period from left to right because the increasing number of protons raises the effective nuclear charge, pulling outer electrons closer. So the bottom-left corner is where you have many shells plus the least tightening from the nucleus compared to other regions, giving the largest radius. The top-right corner has the smallest radii due to few shells and a strong nuclear pull.

The biggest atomic radius occurs where there are many electron shells and the outer electrons feel a relatively weak pull from the nucleus. Atomic radius grows as you go down a group because each new period adds a shell, pushing outer electrons farther out. It shrinks as you move across a period from left to right because the increasing number of protons raises the effective nuclear charge, pulling outer electrons closer. So the bottom-left corner is where you have many shells plus the least tightening from the nucleus compared to other regions, giving the largest radius. The top-right corner has the smallest radii due to few shells and a strong nuclear pull.

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