How would you explain the lower atomic radius of Ga as compared to Al?
Atomic radius in pm
Aluminium | 143 |
Gallium | 135 |
Although Ga has one shell more than Al, its size is lesser than Al. This is because of the poor shielding effect of the 3d-electrons. The shielding effect of d-electrons is very poor and the effective nuclear charge experienced by the valence electrons in gallium is much more than it is in the case of Al.