Question

Explain, in detail, why atomic radii do not increase uniformly with increasing atomic number. Give specific examples in your answer.

Answer 1

Solution :

Yes, the uniformity in the increase of atomic radius is not properly mantained with the increase in atomic number.

First if we go from left to right along a period, we know atomic number increses, but here the atomic radius decreases. For example : Atomic radius is Sodium (Atomic number = 11) is greater than Magnesium (Atomic number = 12). Another example, atomic radius of Aluminum is greater than sulfur.

Again, if we move down the periodic table, the atomic number increases as well as the increases in atomic radius. The atomic radius of Potassium (Atomic number = 19) is greater than Sodium (Atomic number = 11).