To determine which element has the smallest atomic radius among the given options (Br, Fe, Ca, Se), we need to consider the general trends in atomic size:
- Atomic radius tends to decrease across a period (from left to right) due to increasing nuclear charge, which pulls the electrons closer to the nucleus.
- Atomic radius tends to increase down a group (from top to bottom) because additional electron shells are added, making the atom larger.
Now, we analyze the elements:
- Br (Bromine) is located in Group 17 and Period 4.
- Fe (Iron) is located in Group 8 and Period 4.
- Ca (Calcium) is located in Group 2 and Period 4.
- Se (Selenium) is located in Group 16 and Period 4.
Since all these elements are in the same period (Period 4), the atomic radius will generally decrease from left to right across the period. Here is the order of atomic radius from largest to smallest based on their positions in the periodic table:
- Ca (Calcium) - Largest atomic radius (Group 2)
- Fe (Iron) - Next in size (Group 8)
- Se (Selenium) - Smaller than Fe (Group 16)
- Br (Bromine) - Smallest atomic radius (Group 17)
From this analysis, Br (Bromine) has the smallest atomic radius among the options provided.
Answer: a. Br, Bromine
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