The reason for the decrease in the atomic size of elements across a period is that
-
A.
nuclear charge increases while the outermost electrons are drawn closer to the nucleus -
B.
nuclear charge decreases while the outermost electrons are drawn closer to the nucleus -
C.
valence electrons increase across the period while the valence shell remains constant -
D.
nuclear charge decreases while the distance of the valence shell from the nucleus is increasing
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
This is caused by the increase in the number of protons and electrons across a period.