If the exact outer limit of an isolated atom cannot be measured, what criterion can we use to determine atomic radii? What is the difference between a covalent radius and a metallic radius?

Question

Kendra Lozano

Chemistry

13 February, 11:10

If the exact outer limit of an isolated atom cannot be measured, what criterion can we use to determine atomic radii? What is the difference between a covalent radius and a metallic radius?

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Answers (1)

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Dominique Armstrong · Answer 1

Calculate the atomic radii of two touching or overlapping atoms.

Explanation:

No doubt, we can't find the atomic boundary of a single atom, but when atoms are in the form of pairs it becomes very easy to measure the atomic radii of two and then dividing it by 2 to get an estimate of atomic radius of a single atom.

It is also called as covalent radius which is half of the total inter-nuclear distance between two same bonded atoms (Homo-nuclear).

If two adjacent mettalic ions are joined by such pairing then the same half of the distance between the nucleus is termed as metallic radii.