3.10 How do atomic radius vary in a period and in a group? How do you explain the variation?
The atomic radius of the elements generally decreases from the left to the right in a period because the nuclear charge gradually increases by one unit and one electron is also added in the electron shell, due to this the electrons get attracted more towards the centre, as a result, the atomic radii decreases.
The atomic radius of the elements increases as we move downwards in a group because there is an increase in the principal quantum number and thus, there is an increase in the number of electrons shells. Therefore, the atomic size is expected to increase.