Which element in the third period would you expect to have the larger atomic radius, sodium (na) or sulfur (s)? a. sodium, because it has a higher effective nuclear charge attracting electrons in fewer energy levels. b. sodium, because it has fewer protons attracting electrons in the same energy levels. c. sulfur, because it has more protons attracting electrons in more energy levels. d. sulfur, because it has a higher effective nuclear charge attracting electrons in the same energy levels.

The correct answer is Option B.

Explanation:

The given elements that is sodium and sulfur are the elements which belong to the same period that is third period.

As, the electrons are added up to the same shell across a period, the number of protons also increase and hence, they attract the electrons more effectively. This means that the effective nuclear charge also increases and the size of the sulfur thus shrink and hence, the size (atomic radius) of sodium is the largest amongst third period.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

B

Explanation:

As, the electrons are added up to the same shell across a period, the number of protons also increase and hence, they attract the electrons more effectively. This means that the effective nuclear charge also increases and the size of the sulfur thus shrink and hence, the size (atomic radius) of sodium is the largest amongst third period.