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Atomic radius of inert gases

Why is the radius of an inert gas atom so much larger than others in 
the same period?
ghodel

Answer:  Completely filled electron orbitals, most likely.  Since they 
are at the extreme right of the period, their outer shells are completely 
filled (which makes them inert).  Since these orbitals are filled with 
electrons, the radius will be larger than an atom without electrons in 
an orbital.
Any comments, descriptive chemists?
-Joe Schultz



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