Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which alkaline earth metal has the largest atomic radius?
A
Na
B
Ba
C
Cl
D
Mg
E
Li
Verified step by step guidance
1
First, identify the group of elements known as alkaline earth metals. These are located in Group 2 of the periodic table and include: Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), and Radium (Ra).
Next, understand that atomic radius generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table. This is because each successive element has an additional electron shell, making the atom larger.
Now, compare the atomic radii of the alkaline earth metals. Since Barium (Ba) is lower in the group than Magnesium (Mg), it will have a larger atomic radius.
Consider the elements listed in the problem: Na, Ba, Cl, Mg, Li. Identify which of these are alkaline earth metals. Only Mg and Ba are alkaline earth metals.
Finally, determine which of the alkaline earth metals listed has the largest atomic radius. Since Ba is lower in the group than Mg, Ba has the largest atomic radius among the options provided.