Question

Metal ions are typically [a.larger than b.smaller than c.equal in size to] their corresponding neutral atoms. Nonmetal ions are typically [a.larger than b.smaller than c.equal in size to] than their corresponding neutral atoms.

Answer 1

An atom consists of a central nucleus with positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. Negatively charged electrons revolve around the nucleus along electronic shells. A metal atom has the tendency to lose electrons from the outermost electronic shell to form a positive ion known as cation. In a cation, the number of electrons is less than the protons in the nucleus. As a result, electrons are attracted towards the nucleus by a strong force of attraction. This makes metal ions smaller than their corresponding neutral atoms.

(Ans) (b) smaller than

A nonmetal atom usually gains electrons to form a negative ion or anion. In an anion the number of electrons is more. As a result, electrons start to repel with each other and the electrons spread out. This increases the size of anions. For this reason, nonmetal ions are typically larger than their corresponding neutral atoms.

(Ans) (a) larger than

Answer 2

Metal ions are typically b. smaller than their corresponding neutral atoms.

When we form a metal ion, we are removing the outermost (valence) electrons and exposing the smaller inner core.

Non-metal ions are typically a. larger than their corresponding neutral atoms.

The added electrons repel each other, so the electron cloud becomes larger.