• Question: why does the atomic radius effect the reactivity of a atom

    Asked by science whizz to Daniel, Giovanna, Greg, Kelly, Lowri on 8 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Kelly Houton

      Kelly Houton answered on 8 Mar 2016:

      Hi Science Whizz,

      as you say, atomic radius has an impact on reactivity!

      As the atomic radius increases, the distance between the nucleus and electrons increases. Which means the nucleus has less ‘attractive’ effect on the electrons, reducing ionisation energy.

      Electrons can therefore be removed easier from the atom and hence the ability for the atom to react is increased.

      Kelly 🙂

    • Photo: Daniel Biggs

      Daniel Biggs answered on 9 Mar 2016:

      Thats a cracking answer Kelly, I think thats done the trick 😉

    • Photo: Lowri Evans

      Lowri Evans answered on 11 Mar 2016:

      Great answer Kelly 🙂

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