Atomic Radius Trend
Easychemistry
Which order correctly represents increasing atomic radius (period 2 elements)?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
F < O < N < C
- Trend across a Period: Atomic radius decreases from left to right as you move across a period.
- Reason: The nuclear charge (Z) increases by one unit for each element, pulling the electrons in the same main shell closer to the nucleus. Shielding by inner electrons remains constant.
- Positions in Period 2: The elements are Carbon (Z=6), Nitrogen (Z=7), Oxygen (Z=8), and Fluorine (Z=9).
- Relative Sizes: Fluorine is the furthest right and thus the smallest. Carbon is the furthest left and thus the largest.
- Correct Order: Increasing radius means Smallest → Largest: F<O<N<C.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- classification of elements and periodicity in properties
- Topic
- atomic radius trend
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
F < O < N < C
- Trend across a Period: Atomic radius decreases from left to right as you move across a period.
- Reason: The nuclear charge (Z) increases by one unit for each element, pulling the electrons in the same main shell closer to the nucleus. Shielding by inner electrons remains constant.
- Positions in Period 2: The elements are Carbon (Z=6), Nitrogen (Z=7), Oxygen (Z=8), and Fluorine (Z=9).
- Relative Sizes: Fluorine is the furthest right and thus the smallest. Carbon is the furthest left and thus the largest.
- Correct Order: Increasing radius means Smallest → Largest: F<O<N<C.
This easy difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter classification of elements and periodicity in properties, covering the topic of atomic radius trend. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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