Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the trend in atomic radius across a period in the periodic table?
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius
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In which of the sets given are the atoms listed in order of increasing size (smallest to largest)?
A
C < N < O < F
B
N < O < P < Si
C
Mg < Ca < K < Rb
D
Cl < S < O < F
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that atomic size generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table and decreases as you move across a period from left to right.
Examine the first set: C < N < O < F. These elements are in the same period, and atomic size decreases across a period, so this order is incorrect.
Examine the second set: N < O < P < Si. N and O are in the same period, while P and Si are in the next period. The order should reflect increasing size down a group, but this set does not correctly follow the trend.
Examine the third set: Mg < Ca < K < Rb. These elements are in different groups and periods, but they follow the trend of increasing size as you move down the periodic table, making this order correct.
Examine the fourth set: Cl < S < O < F. These elements are not in the correct order of increasing size, as atomic size decreases across a period and increases down a group, which is not reflected here.
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