Question

As the atoms of the elements from atomic

number 2 to atomic number 9 are considered
in sequence from left to right on the Periodic
Table, the covalent atomic radius of each
successive atom is
and the
nuclear charge is


smaller, less
smaller, greater
larger, less
larger, greater

Answer 1

smaller, greater

Step-by-step explanation:

Moving from left to right in the periodic table, we notice that the magnitude of nuclear charge increases with increasing atomic number.

Recall that across the period, nuclear charge increases without a corresponding increase in the number of shells hence the size of the atom (atomic radius) contracts due to a greater pull of the nuclear charge on the electrons.