Multiple Choice
Which type of ion generally has a larger ionic radius, and what is the main reason for this difference?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Ionic Radius
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When a nonmetal atom forms an anion, what happens to its ionic radius compared to its atomic radius?
A
The ionic radius decreases because the nucleus pulls the electrons closer.
B
The ionic radius increases because the added electrons cause greater electron-electron repulsion.
C
The ionic radius decreases because electrons are lost.
D
The ionic radius remains the same as the atomic radius.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that when a nonmetal atom forms an anion, it gains one or more electrons.
Recognize that adding electrons increases electron-electron repulsion within the atom's electron cloud.
Recall that increased repulsion causes the electron cloud to expand, making the ionic radius larger than the atomic radius.
Note that the nuclear charge (number of protons) remains the same, so it cannot pull the electrons closer as effectively when there are more electrons.
Conclude that the ionic radius of a nonmetal anion is larger than its atomic radius due to the added electrons and increased repulsion.
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