Arrange P, S, and O in order of increasing atomic radius.
A) S

Question

Arrange P, S, and O in order of increasing atomic radius.
A) S < O < P
B) P < S < O
C) O < S < P
D) O < P < S
E) The answer cannot be determined from the data given.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atomic radius generally increases as you move down a group and from right to left across a period. Oxygen (O) is to the right of sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) in period 3, so it has the smallest atomic radius. Sulfur has one more energy level than oxygen, so it has a larger atomic radius. Phosphorus has two more energy levels than oxygen, so it has the largest atomic radius of the three. Therefore, the order is O < S < P.

Arrange P, S, and O in Order of Increasing Atomic