Multiple Choice
As the atomic number increases from left to right across a period in the periodic table, what happens to the atomic radius of the elements?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the distance measured when determining the atomic radius of an atom?
A
The diameter of the entire atom including its electron cloud
B
The distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms divided by two
C
The distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron in a neutral atom
D
The distance from the nucleus to the innermost electron shell
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that atomic radius is a measure of the size of an atom, specifically how far the outermost electrons extend from the nucleus.
Recognize that directly measuring the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron in a neutral atom is challenging because electrons exist in probabilistic clouds rather than fixed orbits.
Note that experimentally, atomic radius is often estimated by measuring the distance between the nuclei of two identical atoms bonded together and then dividing that distance by two. This gives the radius as half the bond length.
Distinguish this from the diameter of the entire atom, which would be twice the atomic radius, and from the distance to the innermost electron shell, which is much smaller and not representative of the atom's overall size.
Conclude that the best description of atomic radius is the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron in a neutral atom, even though practical measurements often use the bond length method.
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