Question

Why do atoms of different elements vary in size?

Answer 1

As you go down the periodic table, usually atoms get bigger because n gets bigger (there are electrons in higher shells). Effective nuclear charge does get bigger too going down the periodic table, but this effect is smaller than the change in shell.

Answer 2

As you go down the periodic table, usually atoms get bigger because n gets bigger (there are electrons in higher shells). Effective nuclear charge does get bigger too going down the periodic table, but this effect is smaller than the change in shell.

Step-by-step explanation: