In: Chemistry
In the following pairs, which of these neutral atoms should be smaller? Why? Use a model to explain your answer. Which one of them should be more electronegative?
- C or O
- Mg or Ca
Carbon and Oxygen (C and O) are in the same period in the periodic table. In a simple way, these two are having the same orbit filling in the neutral atom. But the number of protons and neutrons in the Oxygen atom is more than the Carbon atom. Hence, Oxygen atom will have a smaller radius than the Carbon because of more effective nuclear charge. Hence, Oxygen is having greater electronegative than carbon because of having the smaller size.
Mg and Ca are in the same group in the periodic table. Hence, the electrons have filled in different orbits. Calcium filled with 4th orbit while Mg has filled with 3rd orbit. Hence Ca is having the greater size than the Mg. Obviously, Mg is having greater electronegativity than Ca.