Atomic and Ionic Radii

Atomic or Ionic radius is generally defined as the distance between the

centre of the nucleus and the outermost shell of electrons in an atom or ion.

As we move from left to right across a period, there is regular decrease in

atomic and ionic radii of the elements. This is due to the increase in the nuclear

charge and the additive electrons are added to the same electronic level. On

moving down a group both atomic and ionic radii increase with increasing atomic

number. The increase in size is due to introduction of extra energy shells which

outweigh the effect of increased nuclear charge.