Question

How does atomic radius vary in a period and in a group? How do you explain the variation?

Answer 1

Atomic radius generally decreases from left to right across a period. This is because within a period, the outer electrons are present in the same valence shell and the atomic number increases from left to right across a period, resulting in an increased effective nuclear charge. As a result, the attraction of electrons to the nucleus increases.

On the other hand, the atomic radius generally increases down a group. This is because down a group, the principal quantum number $(n)$ increases which results in an increase of the distance between the nucleus and valence electrons.