COMEDK2021Chemistryp Block Elements (Group 13 & 14)
The increasing order of atomic radii of the following group 13 elements is
Options
- AAl < Ga < In < Tl
- BGa < Al < In < Tl
- CAl < In < Tl < Ga
- DAl < Ga < Tl < In
Correct answer
B. Ga < Al < In < Tl
Step-by-step solution
The group 13 elements are Boron (B), Aluminium (Al), Gallium (Ga), Indium (In), and Thallium (Tl). Moving down the group, the atomic radius generally increases due to the addition of new electron shells. However, there is an anomaly between Aluminium (Al) and Gallium (Ga). Gallium follows the 3d transition series, which contains electrons that provide poor shielding of the nuclear charge. This results in a higher effective nuclear charge for Gallium, causing its atomic radius to be slightly smaller than that of Alu