Question

trends on the periodic table: 8. for calcium (ca) and barium (ba), explain which element has a larger atomic radius and why.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic - radius trend

Atomic radius increases down a group in the periodic table. This is because as we move down a group, the number of electron shells increases.

Step2: Locate Ca and Ba in the periodic table

Calcium (Ca) is in period 4 and barium (Ba) is in period 6. Both are in Group 2 (alkaline - earth metals).

Step3: Determine the larger - atomic - radius element

Since Ba is below Ca in the periodic table, Ba has more electron shells. So, barium has a larger atomic radius.

Answer:

Barium (Ba) has a larger atomic radius because it is lower in Group 2 of the periodic table than calcium (Ca), and atomic radius increases down a group due to the addition of electron shells.