Final answer:
The correct order of the five atoms in terms of increasing size (smallest to largest) is Ne, O, S, Si, Ge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct order of the five atoms in terms of increasing size (smallest to largest) is:
- Ne
- O
- S
- Si
- Ge
In the periodic table, as you move from left to right across a period, the size of the atoms generally decreases. This is due to the increasing number of protons in the nucleus, which increases the attractive force and pulls the electrons closer to the nucleus. As a result, the size of the atoms decreases.