Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements has a larger atomic radius than sulfur (S)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius
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Which of the following elements has a larger atomic radius than sulfur (S)?
A
Oxygen (O)
B
Sodium (Na)
C
Chlorine (Cl)
D
Phosphorus (P)
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that atomic radius generally increases as you move down a group (column) in the periodic table because additional electron shells are added, making the atom larger.
Also remember that atomic radius generally decreases as you move from left to right across a period (row) due to increasing nuclear charge pulling electrons closer to the nucleus.
Identify the position of sulfur (S) in the periodic table: it is in period 3, group 16.
Compare the positions of the given elements relative to sulfur: Oxygen (O) is above sulfur in group 16, Chlorine (Cl) is to the right of sulfur in period 3, Phosphorus (P) is to the left of sulfur in period 3, and Sodium (Na) is to the left and in group 1 of period 3.
Based on periodic trends, elements to the left and/or below sulfur will have larger atomic radii. Sodium (Na), being to the left and in the same period, has a larger atomic radius than sulfur.
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