Question

Arrange the following elements in order of increasing atomic radius:

Lithium (Li)
Beryllium (Be)
Boron (B)
Carbon (C)
Predict the rank of the elements based on atomic radius from smallest to largest:
A. 4, 3, 2, 1
B. 1, 2, 3, 4
C. 2, 3, 1, 4
D. 3, 4, 1, 2

Answer 1

In the periodic table, the atomic radius decreases across a period (left to right) and increases down a group. Therefore, the order of increasing atomic radius for the elements Li, Be, B, and C is C, B, Be, Li, which corresponds to Option B: 4, 3, 2, 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

To arrange the elements Lithium (Li), Beryllium (Be), Boron (B), and Carbon (C) in order of increasing atomic radius, we need to understand the trend of atomic size on the periodic table. Atomic radius tends to decrease across a period (from left to right) as the effective nuclear charge increases, causing the electron cloud to be pulled closer to the nucleus. Conversely, atomic radius increases down a group as additional electron shells are added. Based on this, the elements should be arranged as follows:

• Carbon (C) - Smallest atomic radius
• Boron (B)
• Beryllium (Be)
• Lithium (Li) - Largest atomic radius

Thus, the rank of the elements based on atomic radius from smallest to largest would be Option B: 4, 3, 2, 1.