Question

Atomic radius decreases in a period, but after halogens, the atomic radius suddenly increases. Thus, inert gases has almost highest radius in a period. The explanation for such an increase is :

• A. inert gases has most stable configuration
• B. inert gases do not take part in bonding
• C. Van der Waal's radius is reported in case of inert gases
• D. none of these

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Van der Waal's radius is reported in case of inert gases

Atomic radius decreases in a period, but after halogens, the atomic radius suddenly increases. Thus, inert gases has almost highest radius in a period. The explanation for such an increase is Van der Wall's radius is reported in case of inert gases. Inert gases usually do not form any covalent bond. Hence, in the crystals of Noble gases, there are no chemical forces between atoms. The Van der Waals forces are the only attractive forces. Since, the Van der Waals radii are larger than the covalent radii, the inert gases have largest atomic radii in the respective periods.