Question

Which of the following is the correct increasing order of the atomic radius of 0, F, and N?

• A. F, 0, N
• B. 0, N, F
• C. N, F, 0
• D. 0, F, N

Answer 1

The correct option is A

F, 0, N

Atomic radius

atomic radius is half the distance between adjacent atoms of the same element in a molecule.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. As we start moving along a period from left to right, the number of protons increases while the valence shell remains constant, causing the radius of the atom to decrease.
2. The atomic number is the number of protons present in the atom. Because of that, we can say that the atomic number represents the positive charge of the atom. As the positive charge of the atom increases the atomic radius decreases because the positive charge will bring electrons closer to the nucleus
3. Electronic configuration of F: 1s²2s²2p⁵ Electronic configuration of O: 1s² 2s² 2p⁴ Electronic configuration of N: 1s²2s²2p³
4. As a result, the increasing order of radii is F, O, N.

Concluding statement:

Hence the correct option is A, F, O, N.