Multiple Choice
Which alkaline earth metal has the largest atomic radius?
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table
Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius (Simplified)
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Which alkaline earth metal has the smallest atomic radius?
A
Ca
B
Rb
C
Na
D
Ra
E
Fr
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the group of alkaline earth metals in the periodic table. These are found in Group 2 and include elements like Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), and Radium (Ra).
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.
Examine the list of options provided: Ca, Rb, Na, Ra, and Fr. Note that Rb (Rubidium), Na (Sodium), and Fr (Francium) are not alkaline earth metals; they belong to different groups.
Focus on the alkaline earth metals from the options: Ca (Calcium) and Ra (Radium). Compare their positions in the periodic table. Calcium is above Radium in Group 2.
Conclude that since atomic radius increases down a group, Calcium (Ca) has a smaller atomic radius than Radium (Ra). Therefore, among the given options, Calcium (Ca) is the alkaline earth metal with the smallest atomic radius.
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