Question

question 1 of 10
what trend is seen in atom size, going down the periodic table?

a. atomic radius stays the same in a column of the periodic table.

b. atomic radius gets bigger the lower an atom appears on the
periodic table.

c. atomic radius varies the lower an atom appears on periodic table.

d. atomic radius gets smaller the lower an atom appears on the
periodic table.

Explanation:

To determine the trend of atomic size (radius) down a group (column) in the periodic table, we analyze the options:

• Option A: Atomic radius does not stay the same down a column. As we move down, new electron shells are added, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: When moving down a column (group) in the periodic table, each subsequent element has an additional electron shell. The addition of electron shells increases the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons, leading to an increase in atomic radius. So, the atomic radius gets bigger the lower an atom appears (i.e., as we go down a group). This is correct.
• Option C: The trend is consistent (increase) down a group, not variable. So this is incorrect.
• Option D: Atomic radius increases, not decreases, as we go down a group. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Atomic radius gets bigger the lower an atom appears on the periodic table.