MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #793

Why does the atomic radius of fluorine decrease unexpectedly compared to oxygen despite the general periodic trend?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #793

  1. Question 1

    Q1. Why does the atomic radius of fluorine decrease unexpectedly compared to oxygen despite the general periodic trend?

    • A) Greater electron-electron repulsion
    • B) Stronger shielding effect
    • C) Higher effective nuclear charge
    • D) Anomalous filling of p-orbitals

    Answer: Higher effective nuclear charge

    Explanation: Fluorine's higher effective nuclear charge pulls electrons closer. Option A is a distractor; the trend follows nuclear charge.