MHT CET202615 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryClassification of Elements and Periodicity in PropertiesActual
Which group elements have the smallest atomic radii in their respective periods?
Options
- Agroup 15
- Bgroup 16
- Cgroup 17
- Dgroup 18
Correct answer
C. group 17
Step-by-step solution
In a given period, the atomic radius decreases from left to right as the effective nuclear charge increases. This trend continues up to group 17 (halogens). For group 18 (noble gases), the atomic radius is expressed as van der Waals radius since they do not form covalent bonds under normal conditions. Since van der Waals radii are always larger than covalent radii, group 18 elements have larger radii than group 17 elements. Thus, group 17 elements possess the smallest atomic radii in their respective periods. Answe