Question

rank the following atoms in order of increasing size.
mg, si, ca, ge
mg, ca, si, ge
si, mg, ge, ca
ca, ge, mg, si
si, ge, mg, ca

Explanation:

Atomic size increases down a group (more electron shells) and decreases across a period (higher nuclear charge pulls electrons closer).

1. Si and Mg are in Period 3: Si (Group 14) < Mg (Group 2)
2. Ge (Period 4, Group 14) > Si; Ca (Period 4, Group 2) > Mg
3. Compare Ge and Ca: Ca is in Group 2, so Ca > Ge

Combining these, the order from smallest to largest is Si < Mg < Ge < Ca.

Answer:

Si, Mg, Ge, Ca