Question

The increasing order of atomic radii is

• A. C < N < O < F
• B. F < O < C < N
• C. O < F < N
• D. F < N < O < C
• E. F < O < N < C

Hint:

As we move across a period from left to right, atomic radii decrease due to increasing nuclear charge. As we move down a group, atomic radii increase due to added electron shells.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

The atomic radius generally decreases across a period due to the increase in nuclear charge, which pulls the electrons closer to the nucleus. Going down a group, the atomic radius increases due to the addition of electron shells. - Fluorine (F) has the smallest atomic radius in this group because it has the highest nuclear charge and the smallest number of electron shells. - Oxygen (O) has a slightly larger atomic radius than fluorine, as it has one less proton and one more electron shell. - Nitrogen (N) has a larger atomic radius compared to oxygen because of its lower nuclear charge and electron shielding. - Carbon (C) has the largest atomic radius in this sequence due to its even lower nuclear charge and electron shielding effects. Thus, the correct increasing order of atomic radii is (E) F < O < N < C.