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Among Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), and Oxygen (O), Which Element Has the Smallest Atomic Radius?

A) Carbon (C)
B) Nitrogen (N)
C) Oxygen (O)
D) Insufficient Data

User Ashkay
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Final answer:

Carbon (C) has the smallest atomic radius among Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), and Oxygen (O).

Step-by-step explanation:

Carbon (C) has the smallest atomic radius among Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), and Oxygen (O). The atomic radius refers to the size of an atom, which is determined by the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electron shell. Carbon has a smaller atomic radius compared to Nitrogen and Oxygen because it has fewer occupied electron shells and a smaller number of protons in its nucleus. This results in a stronger pull on the outermost electrons, causing the atom to be more compact.

User FuzzyBSc
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