Question

List the following ions in order of increasing radius: Li+, Mg²+, Br–, Te²–.

a) Mg²+, Li+, Br–, Te²–
b) Li+, Mg²+, Te²–, Br–
c) Br–, Li+, Mg²+, Te²–
d) Te²–, Br–, Li+, Mg²+

Answer 1

Li+, Mg2+, Br-, Te2- in order of increasing radius.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ions in the question can be arranged in order of increasing radius as follows:

1. Li+
2. Mg2+
3. Br-
4. Te2-

Li+ has the smallest radius because it has lost an electron and has a higher effective nuclear charge. Mg2+ has a slightly larger radius than Li+ because it has lost two electrons and has an even higher effective nuclear charge.

Br- has a larger radius than Mg2+ because it has gained an electron and has a lower effective nuclear charge. Finally, Te2- has the largest radius because it has gained two electrons and has the lowest effective nuclear charge.