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Chapter 8: Problem 41

Why is the radius of the lithium atom considerably larger than the radius of the hydrogen atom?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The radius of a Lithium atom is larger than that of a Hydrogen atom due to its larger atomic number, presence of electrons in multiple shells (K and L), and a larger effective nuclear charge causing increased electron shielding.

Step by step solution

01

Atomic Structure Understanding

Hydrogen is the first element of the periodic table with an atomic number of 1. It has only one electron orbiting around a single proton in the nucleus. On the other hand, Lithium is the third element in the periodic table and has an atomic number of 3, which means it has three protons in the nucleus and three electrons surrounding it. Hence, in relation to atomic structure, we can say that lithium has a larger atomic size than hydrogen.
02

Number of Electron Shells

Apart from atomic number, the size of an atom is also determined by the number of energy levels or electron shells. Hydrogen has only one electron in the first shell (K shell), whereas Lithium has electrons in two shells (K and L). Electrons in the second shell (L) are further away from the nucleus than those in the first shell (K), which increases the atomic radius of Lithium.
03

Effective Nuclear Charge

The effective nuclear charge also plays a role in determining atomic size. It is the net charge an electron experiences in an atom with multiple electrons. The more electrons there are, the more shielding is provided against the pull of the nucleus, resulting in a larger atomic radius. In the case of Lithium, the two 1s electrons shield the nuclear charge from the 2s electron, resulting in a greater atomic radius compared to Hydrogen.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Write chemical formulas for oxides of nitrogen with the following oxidation numbers: \(+1,+2,+3,+4,\) +5. (Hint: There are two oxides of nitrogen with +4 oxidation number.)

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