What does atomic radius and ionic   | Class 11 Chemistry Chapter Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 3 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 9:

What does atomic radius and ionic  radius really mean to you?

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 9:

What does atomic radius and ionic  radius really mean to you?

Answer:

Atomic radius and ionic radius are the periodic properties which are directly or indirectly related to the electronic configuration of their atoms and shows gradation on moving down a group or along a period.

Atomic radius is defined as the distance from the centre of the nucleus to the outer most shell containing the electrons. It measures the size of an atom. It is of 3 types:

A) Covalent radius- It is the one half of the distance between the centres of the nuclei of two adjacent similar atoms joined to each other by single covalent bond.

Covalent radius = inter nuclear distance in the bonded atoms/ 2

B) Metallic radius- It is defined as half the distance between the centres of the nuclei of two adjacent atoms in the metallic crystal.

C) Van der waal’s radius- It is defined as one half of the inter nuclear distance between 2 similar adjacent atoms belonging to the two neighbouring molecules of the same substance in the solid state.

Ionic radius means the radius of an ion (cation or anion). It is defined as the distance from the centre of the nucleus of the ion upto which it exerts its influence on the electron cloud. The ionic radii can be calculated by measuring the distances between the cations and anions in ionic crystals.

Since a cation is formed by removing an electron from an atom, the cation has fewer electrons than the parent atom resulting in an increase in the effective nuclear charge. Thus, a cation is smaller than the parent atom. For example, the ionic radius of Na+ ion is 95 pm, whereas the atomic radius of Na atom is 186 pm. On the other hand, an anion is larger in size than its parent atom. This is because an anion has the same nuclear charge, but more electrons than the parent atom resulting in an increased repulsion among the electrons and a decrease in the effective nuclear charge. For example, the ionic radius of F– ion is 136 pm, whereas the atomic radius of F atom is 64 pm.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

How to Build a Career in Data Analytics Without a Computer Science Degree

All businesses are gathering information on customers, products, employees, and expenditures, and someone must make decisions based on the data. That individual is the data analyst. Unlike many career changers imagine, the job is open to a broader cross-section of the population than a typical career change. A lot of working analysts trained in commerce, … Read more

Read More

Life Insurance vs Health Insurance: Why Families May Need Both

Are often purchased, talked and planned as being a replacement for another. They aren’t. One safeguards your family’s income in your absence and the other safeguards your family’s savings in the event that someone becomes ill. An examination of what they do, what they do not do, and why they are missing it when one … Read more

Read More

Home Loan vs Savings: Compare the Costs Before Buying a Home

Pay upfront, or pay off less and over time? The truth depends on four factors most consumers will never compare at the same time: the interest rate on the house loan, the interest rate on the savings account, the rate of home price appreciation, and the cost of renting the home until you actually buy … Read more

Read More

Business After 30 or a Stable Job: Which Path Should You Choose?

Thirty is when the question starts to get raised and you’re able to do something because you know you have the experience—you know you have the responsibility. Here are some ways to consider the choice based on a realistic assessment without idealizing either aspect. Restlessness is one of those things that appears in your early … Read more

Read More

Related Student Tools

Add Comment

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 9: What does atomic radius and ionic  radius really mean to you?....

Ask a Question
Keep learning

Discover More on SaralStudy

Explore all articles