Question

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

Answer 1

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>

Answer 2

Much obliged. I appreciate how you explain how to figure it out, as opposed to just telling me the answer.

Answer 3

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