An atom of which of the following elements has the smallest atomic radius?
A) F
B) Rb
C) Ca
D) Ge
E) P

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fluorine has the smallest atomic radius among the given options because it has the highest effective nuclear charge (the attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged electrons in the outermost energy level). This results in a stronger attraction between the nucleus and the electrons, causing the electrons to be pulled in closer to the nucleus and thus reducing the atomic radius.

An Atom of Which of the Following Elements Has the Smallest