Question

select the correct answer.

the radius of a nitrogen atom is \\(5.6 \times 10^{-11}\\) meters, and the radius of a beryllium atom is \\(1.12 \times 10^{-10}\\) meters. which atom has a larger radius, and by how many times is it larger than the other?

• the radius of nitrogen is 20 times larger than the radius of beryllium.
• the radius of beryllium is 40 times larger than the radius of nitrogen.
• the radius of nitrogen is 4 times larger than the radius of beryllium.
• the radius of beryllium is 2 times larger than the radius of nitrogen.

Explanation:

Identify the given values

We are given the following values:

• Radius of a nitrogen atom: \(R_N = 5.6 \times 10^{-11}\text{ meters}\)
• Radius of a beryllium atom: \(R_{Be} = 1.12 \times 10^{-10}\text{ meters}\)

Compare the magnitudes

Using the Scientific Notation knowledge point

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Calculate the ratio

Using the Quotient of Powers knowledge point

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Answer:

• The radius of nitrogen is 20 times larger than the radius of beryllium.
• The radius of beryllium is 40 times larger than the radius of nitrogen.
• The radius of nitrogen is 4 times larger than the radius of beryllium.
• The radius of beryllium is 2 times larger than the radius of nitrogen. (Correct answer)