Question

Rank the following elements in order of increasing atomic size: Ge, Rb, Ne, S

a.Ge< Rb < Ne b. Rb c. Rb d. S< Ne < Ge< Rb
e. Ne

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is:

d. S < Ne < Ge < Rb

Step-by-step explanation:

The atomic size generally decreases from left to right across a period of the periodic table due to increased nuclear charge and the electrons being added to the same energy level. Therefore, the atomic size of these elements can be compared as follows:

Rb has the largest atomic size among the given elements because it is located at the bottom of Group 1 (alkali metals) of the periodic table, which means it has the largest atomic radius.

Ge has a smaller atomic size than Rb because it is located to the right of Rb in the periodic table, which means it has more protons in its nucleus and a smaller atomic radius.

Ne has a smaller atomic size than Ge because it is a noble gas, and noble gases have the smallest atomic radii within a period of the periodic table.

S has a smaller atomic size than Ne because it is located to the right of Ne in the periodic table, which means it has more protons in its nucleus and a smaller atomic radius.