Question

Which of the following has the smallest atomic radius?

a B
b Al
c F
d N
e Ga

Answer 1

Fluorine (F) has the smallest atomic radius among the given elements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The atomic radius, representing the size of an atom, generally follows predictable trends on the periodic table. Across a period, from left to right, the atomic radius tends to decrease due to an increased effective nuclear charge. This results from a higher number of protons in the nucleus, attracting the electrons more strongly and leading to a contraction of the atomic size. Conversely, down a group, from top to bottom, the atomic radius increases as new electron shells are added.

Considering the options:

a. B (Boron) is to the left of b. Al (Aluminum) and has a smaller atomic radius.

c. F (Fluorine) is to the right of d. N (Nitrogen) in the same period and has a smaller atomic radius.

Therefore, among the options provided, c. F (Fluorine) has the smallest atomic radius. Fluorine, being a highly electronegative element, experiences a strong pull on its electrons, resulting in a smaller atomic radius compared to the other elements listed. Understanding periodic trends is crucial in predicting and explaining variations in atomic size across the periodic table.

Answer 2

c. F

Step-by-step explanation:

As you go top to bottom down a column of the periodic table, atomic radius increases.

As you go left to right across a period of the periodic table, atomic radius decreases.

Knowing this trend, that means that the smallest atomic radius would be located in the top right of the periodic table. The closest element to that point is fluorine, or answer C.