Chapter 6.3, Problem 24LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given elements need to be arranged in the order of decreasing atomic size.

Concept Introduction :

Periodic trends are patterns found in the periodic table that show several facets of a particular element. A periodic trend is observed in atomic size also. Atomic size increases down the group. Whereas atomic size decreases across the period or decreases from left to right.

Answer to Problem 24LC

The decreasing order of atomic size is as follows:

Sodium >Aluminum > sulfur > Chlorine

Periodic

Explanation of Solution

The given elements are present in the same period which is period 3. The atomic size decreases across the period or decreases from left to right. This is because when moving left to right in the periodic table, the number of shells stays constant while the nuclear charge increases by one at each step. As nuclear charge increases, electrons in the outermost shell are drawn to it with increasing force, which causes the size of atoms to gradually shrink over time.

Sodium is present in the extreme left so; it will be the largest among the given. Chlorine is present in the extreme right so; it will be the smallest in size. Aluminum is present left to the sulfur so; it will be larger than sulfur.

Thus, the decreasing order of atomic size is as follows:

Sodium > Aluminum > sulfur > Chlorine

The arrangement of atomic size demonstrates periodic trends.