Answer to Question #166628 in General Chemistry for Dad Love

Question

How do you think an atoms size will affect its ability to hold on to its valence electrons ? Why?

Answer 1

Every atom consists of nucleus at its center.All the electrons revolve around the nucleus.The charge on nucleus is positive and the charge on electrons is negative.Due to the presence of opposite charges, nucleus and electrons experiences attractive force.

The force that exerts between nucleus and electrons is Electric Force.

As we know that Electric Force is inversely proportional to the distance between two objects.

In a larger atom the distance between the nucleus and valence electrons is large so larger atoms has the lesser tendency to hold its valence electrons.

While on the other hand ,smaller atom has small distance between nucleus and valence electrons ,so small atoms can hold its valence electrons more effectively.