Question

Why are the atomic radii of group 15 elements smaller than those of the corresponding elements of group 14?

Answer 1

1. Group 15 elements have a higher nuclear charge than group 14 elements in the same period.
2. Due to this increased nuclear charge, electrons experience a stronger pull towards the nucleus.
3. This stronger attraction pulls the electron cloud closer, resulting in smaller atomic radii.
4. Additionally, group 15 elements have a stable half-filled np-subshell, providing extra stability and holding electrons more tightly.
5. Hence, atoms in group 15 are smaller compared to corresponding atoms in group 14.

This explains why atomic radii of group 15 elements are smaller than those of group 14 elements.