Question

Which of the following correctly completes the statement?
Cations are always _____ than the parent atom and anions are always _____ than the parent atom.
A. smaller, smaller
B. larger, smaller
C. smaller, larger
D. larger, larger

Answer 1

C. smaller, larger

Loss of electrons (cation) reduces electron-electron repulsion and often removes an outer shell, making the ion smaller. Gain of electrons (anion) increases electron-electron repulsion, expanding the electron cloud and making the ion larger.