Atomic Sizes

Overview

Atomic sizes are crucial in understanding chemical properties as they determine the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electronic shell. These sizes are expressed through atomic radii, ionic radii, and covalent radii, with variations observed due to factors like neighboring atoms and compound types used for measurement. The trend generally shows a decrease in atomic radii from left to right in a period and an increase from top to bottom in a group of the periodic table, influenced by nuclear charge, shielding effect, and number of shells.

Questions and Answers

  1. What is the significance of atomic radius in determining physical and chemical properties of atoms?

    The atomic radius plays a crucial role in determining various physical and chemical properties of atoms. It influences factors like reactivity, ionization energy, and electronegativity.

  2. How are atomic radii expressed and why are different types of radii reported?

    Atomic radii are expressed in terms of atomic radii, ionic radii, and covalent radii depending on the type of compound used for measurement. Different radii are reported to estimate the sizes of atoms accurately.

  3. Explain the trend of atomic radii in the periodic table.

    In general, atomic radii decrease from left to right in a period due to increased nuclear charge, while they increase from top to bottom in a group because of additional electron shells.

  4. What factors contribute to the variation in atomic radii within the periodic table?

    The variation in atomic radii is influenced by the nuclear charge, shielding effect, and the number of electron shells present in the atoms.

  5. How are ionic radii different from atomic radii?

    Ionic radii refer to the radius of ions when considered spherical, and they differ from atomic radii due to the gain or loss of electrons in the formation of ions.

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. What is the average distance between the nucleus of an atom and its outermost electronic shell known as?

    a) Atomic radius
    b) Ionic radius
    c) Covalent radius
    d) Van der Waals radius
    Answer: a) Atomic radius

  2. How are the sizes of atoms expressed in terms of different radii depending on the type of compound used for measurement?

    a) In terms of atomic radii only
    b) In terms of ionic radii only
    c) In terms of covalent radii only
    d) In terms of various radii like atomic, ionic, and covalent radii
    Answer: d) In terms of various radii like atomic, ionic, and covalent radii

  3. Which type of radii can change from one compound to another due to the influence of neighboring atoms?

    a) Atomic radii
    b) Ionic radii
    c) Covalent radii
    d) Van der Waals radii
    Answer: a) Atomic radii

  4. How are atomic radii typically determined?

    a) By measuring distances between the centers of adjacent atoms with X-rays
    b) By spectroscopic measurements
    c) Both A and B
    d) By electron microscopy
    Answer: c) Both A and B

  5. Why is it challenging to precisely determine the radius of an atom?

    a) Due to the sharp boundary of an atom
    b) Because the probability of finding an electron becomes zero at large distances
    c) The electronic probability distribution is affected by neighboring atoms
    d) Both B and C
    Answer: d) Both B and C