What is the term for the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron?

The term that describes the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron in an atom is atomic radius. This concept is essential in understanding the size of an atom and how it varies across the periodic table. Atomic radius can be influenced by several factors, including the number of electron shells and the effective nuclear charge, which affects how tightly the outermost electrons are held by the nucleus.

While electron affinity refers to the energy change when an electron is added to a neutral atom, nuclear distance is not a standard term used in chemistry to describe atomic structure. Orbital size, although related to the area where an electron is likely to be found, is not used to define the actual distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron. Instead, atomic radius provides a standardized measurement that encompasses the relevant distance in a clear manner.