Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The atomic radius refers to half of the distance between two nuclei in two adjacent atoms.
Related terms
Covalent Radius: This is half of the distance between two identical atom’s nuclei when they are joined by a covalent bond.
Van der Waals Radius: This measures half of total distance across an atom when it isn't bonded to another atom but close enough for noticeable interaction.