Asked by Mary

Why does losing two electrons to form a +2 Cation cause the greatest shrinkage in atomic radius of the following? People are telling me that's the answer but I don't understand.

a. Gaining one electron to form a 1+ cation
b. Losing two electrons to form a 2+ cation
c. Gaining two electrons to form a 2- anion
d. Gaining two electrons to form a 2+ cation
e. Gaining one electron to form a 1- anion
f. Losing one electron to form a 1+ cation

Answers

Answered by DrBob222
Losing electrons from an outside shell forms a + charge (cation) AND reduces the size (fewer electrons occupy less space).
Gaining electrons forms a negative charge (anion) AND increases the size (more electrons occupy a larger space).

a. Gaining one electron to form a 1+ cation <b>Gaining one electron forms an anion.</b>

b. Losing two electrons to form a 2+ cation <b>OK</b>

c. Gaining two electrons to form a 2- anion <b> See above. Gaining electrons increases the size.</b>

d. Gaining two electrons to form a 2+ cation <b>Gaining two electrons forms a -2 charge</b>

e. Gaining one electron to form a 1- anion <b> True BUT gaining electrons increases the size.</b>

f. Losing one electron to form a 1+ cation <b> True and it decreases the size but not as much as losing two electrons.</b>
Answered by Mary
Much obliged. I appreciate how you explain how to figure it out, as opposed to just telling me the answer.
Answered by Evette
How many electrons are transferred between the cation and anion to form the ionic bond in one formula unit of each compound? LIF, CaS, NaCI, KBr, BaO
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