Question

Among the elements of the second period pick out the element which has a smallest atomic radius.

• A. $F$
• B. $Li$
• C. $C$
• D. $Ne$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $F$

• Along the period atomic radius decreases as the electrons gets added to same electronic orbital and thus increases effective nuclear charge.
  
• As effective nuclear charge increases the atomic radius decreases and hence in second period effective nuclear charge of Fluorine is highest and hence $F$ will have least atomic radius.