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Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius

10. Periodic Properties of the Elements / Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius / Problem 2

Provide a possible explanation for why the atomic radii of Nb and Ta are almost the same even if they are on different periods in the periodic table.

A

The 4f electrons in Ta do not effectively shield the outer electrons, pulling the electron closer to the nucleus hence a smaller atomic radius.

B

Ta has more protons than Nb which cancels out the effect of additional electrons in Ta, hence a smaller atomic radius.

C

The atomic radius of elements decreases as you go down a group.

D

The 4f electrons do not significantly contribute to the overall size of the Ta atom, which caused Ta and Nb to have the same radii.

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