TEAS 7 practice test free science Related

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Which statement accurately describes the periodic trends in atomic radius?

  • A. Increases down a group and decreases across a period
  • B. Decreases down a group and increases across a period
  • C. Remains constant throughout the table
  • D. Fluctuates unpredictably based on individual elements
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement is that atomic radius increases down a group and decreases across a period. When moving down a group, additional electron shells increase the distance from the nucleus, leading to larger atomic radii. On the other hand, when moving across a period, the number of electron shells remains constant, but the increasing nuclear charge pulls electrons closer, resulting in smaller radii. Choice B is incorrect because atomic radius does not decrease down a group and increase across a period. Choice C is incorrect because atomic radius does not remain constant; it exhibits specific trends. Choice D is incorrect because atomic radius follows predictable trends based on the periodic table structure, rather than fluctuating unpredictably.