JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3pt002
Four species have 18 electrons each: P has Z = 20, Q has Z = 17, R has Z = 19 and S has Z = 16. Their sizes in increasing order are
AP < R < Q < S
BS < Q < R < P
CP < Q < R < S
DR < P < S < Q
Answer: A
For isoelectronic species, a larger nuclear charge pulls the electrons in more strongly and gives a smaller radius. So the radius order is Z = 20 < 19 < 17 < 16, i.e. CaX2+<KX+<ClX−<SX2−, which is P < R < Q < S.