How would you explain the lower atomic radius of Ga as compared to Al?

Question:

How would you explain the lower atomic radius of Ga as compared to Al?

Solution:

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.

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