Chapter 8, Problem 8.109SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Graph between effective nuclear charge and atomic radius versus atomic number for $Li$ to $Ne$ which are in the second-period elements have to be plotted and the trend observed has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Atomic radius is the distance between the atomic nucleus and outermost shell having electrons of an atom. From the atomic radius, the size of atoms can be visualized

Along the period, the valence electron is added to the same shell and thus attraction by the nucleus gets stronger. Therefore, atomic radii reduces from left to right in the periodic table

Effective nuclear charge $Z_{\text{eff}}$ is the net nuclear charge experienced by an electron when the whole nuclear charge and the shielding of other electrons are considered.

Across the period, effective nuclear charge increases from left to right. Down the group, effective nuclear charge decreases from top to bottom.