Question

Between the elements - N, O, P and S; the one with the maximum atomic radius is:

• A. N
• B. O
• C. P
• D. S

Answer 1

The correct option is C

P

• Atomic radius means half of the distance between the nucleus and electron in the valence shell.
• Atomic radius increases down the group and decreases across the period.
• In these four elements, Nitrogen(N) and Oxygen(O) belong to period 2, and Phosphorous(P) and Sulfur(S) belong to group 3.
• Compare to group 2, group 3 elements have a maximum radius.
• In Phosphorous(P) and Sulfur (S), Phosphorous(P) comes first in the period.
• Atomic radius decrease across a period. So atomic radius of Phosphorous(P) is higher than Sulfur(S).
• Hence, Phosphorous(P) has a maximum atomic radius between these four elements.