The size of atoms generally increases as the number of
A) electron shells increases.
B) electrons in the valence shell increases.
C) neutrons in atoms increases.
D) protons increases.
E) All atoms are the same size.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the number of electron shells increases, the size of atoms generally increases since more electrons are added to the outermost shell, increasing the distance between the nucleus and the electrons. The number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the valence shell may affect other properties of the atom, but they do not have a direct impact on the size.

The Size of Atoms Generally Increases as the Number of