Question

Select the larger atom in each pair.
a. Na or Cl
b. Na or Rb
c. Na or Mg
d. Rb or I

Short answer

Part(a) Na is larger atom.

Part(b) Rb is larger atom.

Part(c) Na is larger atom.

Part(d) Rb is larger atom.

Step-by-step solution

Part(a) Step 1 : Given information

We are given Na or Cl atoms. We have to find larger atom in pair.

Part(a) Step 2 : Simplify

As we know, as the nuclear charge increases, atomic size shrinks, drawing everything together and bringing the electrons closer to the nucleus.
As we progress from top to bottom, the atomic size grows as the electrons occupy larger and larger orbitals.
As a result, sodium(Na) and chlorine(Cl) are both in the same era.
Chlorine, on the other hand, is further to the right and has a higher nuclear charge.
As a result, would be smaller, causing sodium(Na) to be greater.

Part(b) Step 1 : Given information

We are given Na or Rb atoms. We have to find larger atom in pair.

Part(b) Step 2 : Simplify

As we know, as the nuclear charge increases, atomic size shrinks, drawing everything together and bringing the electrons closer to the nucleus.
As we progress from top to bottom, the atomic size grows as the electrons occupy larger and larger orbitals.
Between sodium (Na) and rubidium (Rb).
Both of these metals are alkali metals.
Sodium's electrons may be in any three s orbital, while rubidium's would be in the five s and therefore further away.
Rubidium(Rb) would so be greater than sodium (Na).

Part(c) Step 1 : Given information

We are given Na or Mg atoms. We have to find larger atom in pair.

Part(c) Step 2 : Simplify

As we know, as the nuclear charge increases, atomic size shrinks, drawing everything together and bringing the electrons closer to the nucleus.
As we progress from top to bottom, the atomic size grows as the electrons occupy larger and larger orbitals.
Between sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg) (Mg).
Magnesium would have a higher nuclear charge, causing it to be smaller.
As a result, sodium will be higher than magnesium.

Part(d) Step 1 : Given information

We are given Rb or I atoms. We have to find larger atom in pair.

Part(d) Step 2 : Simplify

As we know, as the nuclear charge increases, atomic size shrinks, drawing everything together and bringing the electrons closer to the nucleus.
As we progress from top to bottom, the atomic size grows as the electrons occupy larger and larger orbitals.
Between Rb and I, Rubidium would have a higher nuclear charge.