Question

Why are the halogen atoms smallest in their respective periods?

Answer 1

1. Halogens are in the same period but towards the right side of the periodic table.
2. As we move from left to right in a period, nuclear charge increases.
3. The number of electron shells stays the same across the period.
4. Due to increased nuclear charge, valence electrons in halogen atoms are attracted more strongly.
5. This strong attraction pulls the electrons closer, reducing the atomic size.

Thus, halogen atoms have the smallest atomic radii in their respective periods.