There are several ways to define radius for atoms and ions. Follow the appropriate hyperlinks for literature references and definitions of each type of radius. All values of radii are given in pm (picometres, or picometers in USA). Conversion factors are:

• 1 pm = 1 x 10^-12 metre (meter)
• 100 pm = 1 Ångstrom
• 1000 pm = 1 nanometre (nm, nanometer)

YbYb distance in the element

One measure of size is the element-element distance within the element and this length is given here.

Neutral radii

The size of neutral atoms depends upon the way in which the measurement is made and the environment. Follow the appropriate hyperlinks for definitions of each radius type. The term "atomic radius" is not particularly helpful although its use is widespread. The problem is its meaning, which is clearly very different in different sources and books. Two values are given here, one is based upon calculations and the other upon observation - follow the appropriate link for further details.

This table gives some ionic radii. In this table, geometry refers to the arrangment of the ion"s nearest neighbours. Size does depend upon geometry and environment. For electronic configurations, where it matters, the values given for octahedral species are low spin unless stated to be high spin. The terms low spin and high spin refer to the electronic configurations of particular geomtries of certain d-block metal ions. Further information is available in inorganic chemistry textbooks, usually at Level 1 or First Year University level. For definitions of ionic radius and further information, follow the hypertext link.

Ion	Coordination type	Radius / pm
Yb(II)	6-coordinate, octahedral	116
Yb(III)	6-coordinate, octahedral	100.8
Yb(II)	8-coordinate	128
Yb(III)	8-coordinate	112.5

Pauling ionic radii

	Ion	Pauling radius / pm
	Yb(I)	no information