Answer: F's small size causes electron-electron repulsion in the compact 2p subshell.
- A F's small size causes electron-electron repulsion in the compact 2p subshell
- B Fluorine generally has fewer protons in its nucleus than chlorine as widely reported
- C Fluorine is less electronegative than chlorine on the Pauling scale in standard practice
- D Fluorine has a noticeably larger atomic radius than chlorine under most conditions encountered
Correct answer: A. F's small size causes electron-electron repulsion in the compact 2p subshell
Explanation: Fluorine's small atomic size leads to significant electron repulsion when an extra electron is added to the already crowded 2p shell.
The complete modern periodic table (118 elements). Image: Cepheus et al., Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Concept context
The periodic table organises all 118 elements by atomic number and similar properties. Study periodic trends like atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity, and learn how an element's position predicts its behaviour.
Read the full Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties notes →