Question

unit exam - the periodic table which element will form the ion with the smallest ionic radius? f br cl

Explanation:

Step1: Recall ionic - radius trend

Ionic radius increases down a group in the periodic table for ions with the same charge. Fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), and bromine (Br) are all halogens. They form anions with a - 1 charge ($F^-$, $Cl^-$, $Br^-$).

Step2: Analyze the position in the group

Fluorine is in the second period, chlorine is in the third period, and bromine is in the fourth period. As we move down a group, the number of electron - shells increases, which leads to a larger ionic radius.

Answer:

F