Question

How is it possible for an Argon atom to take up less space than a Sodium atom even though it has 7 more protons?

A) as the positive nucleus gets bigger it pulls its electrons closed the center
B) as the negative nucleus gets bigger it pulls its electrons closed the center
C) as the positive nucleus gets bigger it pushes its electrons farther away from the center
D) as the negative nucleus gets bigger it pushes its electrons closer away from the center

Answer 1

The size of an atom is determined by its atomic radius, which is influenced by the number of protons in the nucleus and the arrangement of electrons in energy levels. In the case of Argon and Sodium atoms, even though Argon has 7 more protons than Sodium, it takes up less space because its positive nucleus is bigger, which pushes its electrons farther away from the center.

Step-by-step explanation:

The size of an atom is determined by its atomic radius, which is influenced by the number of protons in the nucleus and the arrangement of electrons in energy levels. In the case of Argon and Sodium atoms, even though Argon has 7 more protons than Sodium, it takes up less space because its positive nucleus is bigger, which pushes its electrons farther away from the center (option C). As a result, the overall size of the Argon atom is smaller than that of the Sodium atom.