select the correct answer.\nin the third period of the periodic table, sodium is followed by magnesium…

select the correct answer.\nin the third period of the periodic table, sodium is followed by magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and phosphorus. which of these elements has the smallest atomic size?\na. sodium\nb. magnesium\nc. aluminum\nd. silicon\ne. phosphorus

select the correct answer.\nin the third period of the periodic table, sodium is followed by magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and phosphorus. which of these elements has the smallest atomic size?\na. sodium\nb. magnesium\nc. aluminum\nd. silicon\ne. phosphorus

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic - size trend

Atomic size decreases across a period from left to right in the periodic table. This is because the number of protons increases (increasing nuclear charge) while the electrons are added to the same energy level, pulling the electrons closer to the nucleus.

Step2: Identify the right - most element

Among sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and phosphorus, phosphorus is the right - most element in the third period.

Answer:

E. phosphorus