Compared to the diameter of a zirconium atom (A = 40),the diameter of a mercury atom (A = 80)is approximately
A)four times as large.
B)twice as large.
C)the same size.
D)one-half as large.
E)one-quarter as large.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atomic diameters do not scale linearly with atomic mass or atomic number. Despite mercury having a higher atomic number than zirconium, the atomic diameters of elements in the same period or nearby periods are often similar due to electron shell arrangements and effective nuclear charge.

Compared to the Diameter of a Zirconium Atom (A =