The correct order of the size of `C`, `N`, `P` and `S` is

Options

A. `N lt C lt P lt S`
B. `C lt N lt P lt S`
C. `N lt C lt S lt P`
D. `C lt N lt S lt P`

Explanation

To determine the correct order of the size of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), we need to consider their positions in the periodic table and the trends in atomic size.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Group and Period**:
- Carbon (C) is in Group 14 and Period 2.
- Nitrogen (N) is in Group 15 and Period 2.
- Phosphorus (P) is in Group 15 and Period 3.
- Sulfur (S) is in Group 16 and Period 3.

2. **Understand the Trend in Atomic Size**:
- Atomic size increases as you move down a group in the periodic table. This is due to the addition of electron shells.
- Atomic size decreases as you move from left to right across a period. This is due to the increase in effective nuclear charge, which pulls the electrons closer to the nucleus.

3. **Compare Sizes within the Same Period**:
- In Period 2, we compare C and N:
- Carbon (C) is larger than Nitrogen (N) because size decreases from left to right.
- In Period 3, we compare P and S:
- Phosphorus (P) is larger than Sulfur (S) for the same reason.

4. **Compare Sizes between Different Periods**:
- Now, we compare the sizes of the elements across the periods:
- Since phosphorus (P) is in Period 3 and carbon (C) is in Period 2, phosphorus will be larger than carbon.
- Similarly, sulfur (S) is larger than nitrogen (N) because sulfur is in Period 3 while nitrogen is in Period 2.

5. **Establish the Overall Order**:
- From the comparisons:
- P > S (Phosphorus is larger than Sulfur)
- C > N (Carbon is larger than Nitrogen)
- P > C (Phosphorus is larger than Carbon)
- S > N (Sulfur is larger than Nitrogen)

6. **Final Order of Sizes**:
- Combining all the information, we can establish the order of sizes:
- P > S > C > N

### Final Answer:
The correct order of the size of C, N, P, and S is: **P > S > C > N**.