TEAS 7 Science Practice Test Related

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Which of the following describes how atomic radius varies across the periodic table?

  • A. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table.
  • B. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and right to left on the periodic table.
  • C. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the halogens on the periodic table.
  • D. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the noble gases on the periodic table.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Atomic radius tends to increase from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table. This is because as you move down a group (top to bottom), new energy levels are added, increasing the distance of the outer electrons from the nucleus and thus increasing the size of the atom. On the other hand, as you move from left to right across a period, the number of protons and electrons increases, leading to a stronger nuclear charge that attracts the electrons closer to the nucleus, resulting in smaller atomic radii. Choice B is incorrect as atomic radius does not increase from right to left. Choices C and D are incorrect as they incorrectly associate the trend with specific groups of elements (halogens and noble gases) rather than the general trend observed on the periodic table.