Question

re - order each list in the table below, if necessary so that the atoms or ions in it are listed in
atoms or ions in order
atoms or ions
of decreasing size
atoms or ions
b²⁺, b, be
f, li, b
br⁻, f⁻, cl⁻

Explanation:

Step1: Consider atomic/ionic radius trends

Atomic radius decreases across a period due to increasing nuclear charge. Cations are smaller than their parent atoms. Anions are larger than their parent atoms and ionic radius increases down a group.

Step2: Analyze B²⁺, B, Be

Beryllium (Be) and boron (B) are in the same period. B has a larger nuclear charge than Be but B²⁺ has lost 2 electrons. So the order is B > Be > B²⁺.

Step3: Analyze F, Li, B

Li, B, and F are in the same period. Atomic radius decreases across the period. So the order is Li > B > F.

Step4: Analyze Br⁻, F⁻, Cl⁻

These are halide anions. Ionic radius increases down the group. So the order is Br⁻ > Cl⁻ > F⁻.

Answer:

B, Be, B²⁺
Li, B, F
Br⁻, Cl⁻, F⁻