Atomic radius ✏ Chemistry In a Nutshell

Rucete ✏ Chemistry In a Nutshell 

Types of Atomic Radii

• Van der Waals Radius

  • Distance between nuclei of two non-bonded atoms.
  • Larger than the covalent radius.

• Covalent Radius

  • Half the distance between nuclei of two bonded atoms.
  • Smaller than the Van der Waals radius.

Key Relationship:
Van der Waals Radius > Covalent Radius

In a nutshell

Van der Waals Radius is Always Larger than the Covalent Radius.

"Van der Waals is Wider!"
(Van der Waals radius > Covalent radius)