Identify the smaller atom in each of the following pairs:
a. N or F b. K or Kr c. Ca and Sr
a. The F atom has a greater positive charge on the nucleus, which pulls electrons closer, and makes the F atom smaller than the N atom. Atomic size decreases going from left to right across a period.
b. The Kr atom has a greater positive charge on the nucleus, which pulls electrons closer, and makes the Kr atom smaller than the K atom. Atomic size decreases going from left to right across a period.
c. The outer electrons in the Ca atom are closer to the nucleus than in the Sr atom, which makes the Ca atom smaller than the Sr atom. Atomic size increases going down a group.