Which element will have the smallest atomic radius?
nitrogen (N)
arsenic (As)
antimony (Sb)
phosphorus (P)
Answer (1)
Atomic radius increases down a group in the periodic table.
Locate Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As), and Antimony (Sb) in the periodic table.
Nitrogen (N) is the highest in Group 15.
Therefore, Nitrogen (N) has the smallest atomic radius: N .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem The problem asks us to identify which of the elements Nitrogen (N), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), and Phosphorus (P) has the smallest atomic radius based on their positions in the periodic table. We know that atomic radius generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table. Therefore, the element located highest in Group 15 will have the smallest atomic radius.
Locating Elements in the Periodic Table Let's locate the positions of the given elements in the periodic table:
Nitrogen (N) is in the second period.
Phosphorus (P) is in the third period.
Arsenic (As) is in the fourth period.
Antimony (Sb) is in the fifth period.
Determining the Smallest Atomic Radius Since atomic radius increases down a group, the element highest in the group will have the smallest atomic radius. Comparing the positions of the given elements, Nitrogen (N) is the highest in Group 15.
Final Answer Therefore, Nitrogen (N) has the smallest atomic radius among the given elements.
Examples
Understanding trends in the periodic table, such as atomic radius, is crucial in various fields. For example, in material science, the size of atoms affects how they pack together, influencing the density and strength of materials. In chemistry, atomic radius affects the reactivity of elements and the bond lengths in molecules. Knowing that atomic radius increases down a group helps predict and explain the properties of different elements and their compounds. For instance, smaller atoms can fit into smaller spaces, which is important in designing catalysts or creating new alloys with specific properties. This knowledge is also vital in environmental science, where the size and reactivity of elements affect their behavior in the environment, such as how pollutants spread or how nutrients are absorbed by plants.
