Question

The radius of a nitrogen atom is 5.8*10^-11 meters, and the radius of a beryllium atom is 1.12*10^-10 meters. Which atom has a larger radius, and by how many times is it larger?

Answer 1

Nitrogen Radius = 5.8 x 10⁻¹¹ m

Beryllium Radius = 1.12 x 10⁻¹⁰ m

Let's find the quotient of N/Be :

(5.8x10⁻¹¹)/(1.12x10⁻¹⁰). But 10⁻¹¹/10⁻¹⁰ = 10⁽⁻¹¹⁺¹⁰⁾ = 10⁻¹ = 1/10 = 0.1

→ (5.8/1.12).(0.1) = 0.58/1.12 = 0.518.

Conclusion: the radius of Be is almost double than the radius of N