Step 1. Analyze the Assertion (A): The increase in covalent radius from N to P is significant due to additional electron shells. However, from A to B, the increase in size is smaller because of the presence of poor shielding by d- and f-electrons.
Step 2. Analyze the Reason (R): The statement in (R) is generally true as covalent and ionic radii tend to increase down the group in the periodic table. However, this reason does not specifically explain the smaller increase observed from A to B.
Step 3. Conclusion: Although both statements are individually true, the reason provided does not correctly explain the observed trend in covalent radii from A to B.