As we move from left to right across a period in the periodic table, which of the following trends is generally observed?

• A. Metallic character increases
• B. Electronegativity decreases
• C. Ionization energy decreases
• D. Atomic radius decreases

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the periodic trends as you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table. This means moving across elements in the same row.
2. Recall that as you move from left to right, the number of protons in the nucleus increases, which increases the effective nuclear charge experienced by the electrons.
3. Because the effective nuclear charge increases, electrons are pulled closer to the nucleus, causing the atomic radius to decrease.
4. Metallic character generally decreases across a period because elements become less likely to lose electrons and more likely to gain or share electrons.
5. Electronegativity and ionization energy generally increase across a period because atoms hold their electrons more tightly, making it harder to remove electrons and easier to attract electrons.