Question:

Which of the following is not the correct order of atomic radius of the elements given?

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Remember that transition metal radii decrease across a period due to poor shielding of d-electrons, while main group element radii follow periodic trends dominated by shell number and effective nuclear charge.
Updated On: Jun 9, 2026
  • \(Br < Ge < Ga < Ca\)
  • \(Cr < V < Ti < Sc\)
  • \(F < Cl < K < Cs\)
  • \(O < P < K < Ge\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Atomic radius generally increases down a group due to the addition of new shells and decreases across a period due to increasing effective nuclear charge.

Step 1: Evaluate the given orders.
(A) \(Br < Ge < Ga < Ca\): Correct. These elements are in the 4th period. As we move left (Ca to Br), atomic radius decreases.
(B) \(Cr < V < Ti < Sc\): Correct. In the 3d transition series, as the atomic number increases from Sc to Cr, the effective nuclear charge increases, causing a decrease in atomic radius.
(C) \(F < Cl < K < Cs\): Correct. F and Cl are in Group 17, and K and Cs are in Group 1. Radii increase down the groups.
(D) \(O < P < K < Ge\): Incorrect. O (\(r \approx 60\) pm), P (\(r \approx 110\) pm), K (\(r \approx 227\) pm), Ge (\(r \approx 122\) pm). The correct order should place Ge after P and before K. \[ \boxed{O < P < K < Ge} \]
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