Answer
The correct order of increasing size for the given groups of atoms is:
a. \( \mathrm{S}, \mathrm{Se}, \mathrm{Te} \)
b. \( \mathrm{Br}, \mathrm{Ni}, \mathrm{K} \)
c. \( \mathrm{F}, \mathrm{Si}, \mathrm{Ba} \)
Work Step by Step
a. \( \mathrm{S},\mathrm{Se},\mathrm{Te} \)
The size of atoms generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table. In this case, Te (tellurium) is below Se (selenium), which is below S (sulfur). Therefore, the order of increasing size is S < Se < Te.
b. \( \mathrm{K}, \mathrm{Ni}, \mathrm{Br} \)
The size of atoms generally decreases as you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table. In this case, K (potassium) is on the far left, Ni (nickel) is in the middle, and Br (bromine) is on the far right. Therefore, the order of increasing size is Br < Ni < K.
c. \( \mathrm{F}, \mathrm{Si}, \mathrm{Ba} \)
The size of atoms generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table. In this case, F (fluorine) is at the top, Si (silicon) is in the middle, and Ba (barium) is at the bottom. Therefore, the order of increasing size is F < Si < Ba.
Overall, the correct order of increasing size for the given groups of atoms is:
a. \( \mathrm{S}, \mathrm{Se}, \mathrm{Te} \)
b. \( \mathrm{Br}, \mathrm{Ni}, \mathrm{K} \)
c. \( \mathrm{F}, \mathrm{Si}, \mathrm{Ba} \)