Answer:
The bigger the atom the lesser the ability of the atom to hold on to its valence electrons.
Explanation:
Atomic radius can be looked at as the distance between the nucleus and the outermost energy level. As an atom gets bigger, the outer shell gets further and further from the positive nucleus. this means that electrons that are in the outer energy level become less held (attracted) by the nucleus because of distance and shielding of the attractive forces by the electrons in the lower energy levels. This means that as an atom becomes bigger, its ability to hold on to its outer electrons lessens.
As an atom gets larger, it is unable to hold its valence electrons due to decreased electrostatic attraction between the nucleus and the valence electron.
An atom is composed of a nucleus that houses positive charges and an electron which is negatively charged and are found in orbits. Electrostatic attraction between the positively charged nucleus and electrons in orbits keep the atom together.
However, as an atom gets larger, the valence electrons are farther away from the nucleus. As the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons increases, the electrostatic interaction between electron and the nucleus is decreased according to Coulomb's law. Repulsion (screening) between inner and valence electrons further keep the valence electrons away from the attractive forces of the nucleus.
Therefore, as an atom gets larger, it is unable to hold its valence electrons due to decreased electrostatic attraction between the nucleus and the valence electrons.
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