As you go across the period of the periodic table, you are increasing the atomic number while decreasing the atomic radius, but what causes this trend?

Answer 1

you increase the atomic number but i don't know why

I think because the atoms gain more electrons the higher they go on the periodic table

Answer 2

Generally, the atoms are increasing atomic number meaning that they are increasing the number of protons in the nucleus. Therefore, the positive charge in the nucleus is increasing but the electrons that are being added are in the same outer shell; therefore, the outer electrons feel an increasing pull by the nucleus and the result is a smaller atom.

Answer 3

More protons are gained(represnted by increasing atomic number) across the periodic table. As this happens, the electrons are pulled tighter into the nucleus since the positive protons in the nucleus attract the negative electrons. This causes the atomic radius to decrease because it is denser since electrons were pulled in.