To determine which element has the smallest atomic radius among the options given, we need to understand how atomic radius varies across the periodic table. Atomic radius generally decreases from left to right across a period and increases going down a group.
Lets analyze the elements:
- C (Carbon) – Located in group 14, period 2.
- Si (Silicon) – Located in group 14, period 3.
- Be (Beryllium) – Located in group 2, period 2.
- F (Fluorine) – Located in group 17, period 2.
Carbon and Beryllium are both in the second period, but since Beryllium is further left in the periodic table, it has a larger atomic radius than Carbon. Meanwhile, Fluorine, which is to the right of Carbon in the same period, has a smaller atomic radius than both Carbon and Beryllium due to the increased nuclear charge pulling the outer electrons closer.
So among the options, Fluorine (F) has the smallest atomic radius.
Answer: D) F (Fluorine)