Question

Question 35
Compare the radii of two elements X and Y. Give reasons for your answer.

(a) X has 12 protons and 12 electrons

(b) Y has 12 protons and 10 electrons

Answer 1

Y will have a smaller radius as it has a higher number of protons and less number of electrons. The higher number of protons represents higher nuclear charge, i.e., the nucleus will hold the electrons more firmly and closer.