Arrange each set in order of decreasing atomic size:(a)

Solution 41P:

Here, we are going to arrange each set in order of decreasing atomic size:

Here, we are going to arrange each set in order of increasing atomic size:

Step 1:

The size of an atom is dependent on its outermost electrons. As we move down a group in the periodic table, the principal quantum number (n) of the outermost electrons increases, which increases the atomic radii.

Similarly, as we move across a row in the periodic table, atomic radii decrease because the effective nuclear charge increases.

(a) Ge, Pb, Sn

These elements belong to Group 4A in the periodic table. Thus, as we move down a group in the periodic table, the principal quantum number (n) of the outermost electrons increases, which increases the atomic radii.

Therefore, the order of decreasing atomic size is given by

Pb >  Sn >  Pb