Which of the following has the smallest atomic radius?

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Q: Which of the following has the smallest atomic radius?

Solution: Carbon (C) has the smallest atomic radius among the given elements due to increased nuclear charge.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what atomic radius means. Atomic radius is the size of an atom, usually measured from the nucleus to the outermost electron.
Step 2: Know that atomic radius generally decreases as you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table. This is because the number of protons (nuclear charge) increases, pulling the electrons closer to the nucleus.
Step 3: Identify the elements you are comparing. In this case, we are comparing Carbon (C) with other elements.
Step 4: Look at the position of Carbon in the periodic table. Carbon is in Group 14 and Period 2.
Step 5: Compare Carbon's position with other elements in the same period or nearby. Elements to the right of Carbon will have a smaller atomic radius due to higher nuclear charge.
Step 6: Conclude that Carbon has the smallest atomic radius among the given elements because it has fewer protons than those to its right, resulting in less pull on the electrons.