2007-06-20 15:15:55 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Atomic size is empirically determined by x-ray crystal structure. How far apart are bonded atoms in the element? In compunds?
From theory, atom size is typically the 90% probability envelope of electron distribution.
2007-06-20 15:22:16 · answer #1 · answered by Uncle Al 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The atomic radius includes the electron shells. You raise a good point because some of the orbitals theoretically go out to infinity. So the convention is to look at a 90% probability level for the size of the electron shells.
2007-06-20 22:21:26 · answer #2 · answered by reb1240 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Atomic Number is the number of Protons in the Nucleus, the number of Neutrons determines the isotope.
2007-06-20 22:25:53 · answer #3 · answered by tipp10 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
by x ray difraction instruments. the size is not the number of protons + neutrons or the no. of electron shells. the size is an average of the radius of covalent bonding in their diatomic structure.
2007-06-20 22:28:52 · answer #4 · answered by taufiq a 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋