Which among the following elements has the least atomic radius?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. O
- Oxygen (O) has the least atomic radius among the given elements.
- Atomic radius refers to the size of an atom, and it generally decreases across a period from left to right in the periodic table.
- Oxygen has a smaller atomic radius compared to lithium, boron, and carbon.
- The attractive force between the positively charged nucleus and the electrons in the inner shell results in a more compact atomic structure.
- This trend aligns with the periodic trend of decreasing atomic radius across a period due to increasing effective nuclear charge.