Question
Atomic radius increases down a group because
A
The number of energy levels increases.
B
The atomic number increases.
C
The electronegativity decreases.
D
The ionization energy decreases.
A
The number of energy levels increases.
B
The atomic number increases.
C
The electronegativity decreases.
D
The ionization energy decreases.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct answer is **A: The number of energy levels increases.**
As you move down a group in the periodic table, each successive element has an additional principal energy level (or electron shell). This increase in energy levels results in a larger atomic radius because the outermost electrons are further away from the nucleus. While the atomic number increases (B) and other properties like electronegativity (C) and ionization energy (D) may also change, the primary reason for the increase in atomic radius down a group is the addition of energy levels.
As you move down a group in the periodic table, each successive element has an additional principal energy level (or electron shell). This increase in energy levels results in a larger atomic radius because the outermost electrons are further away from the nucleus. While the atomic number increases (B) and other properties like electronegativity (C) and ionization energy (D) may also change, the primary reason for the increase in atomic radius down a group is the addition of energy levels.