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 Gaining one electron forms an anion.
b. Losing two electrons to form a 2+ cation OK
c. Gaining two electrons to form a 2- anion See above. Gaining electrons increases the size.
d. Gaining two electrons to form a 2+ cation Gaining two electrons forms a -2 charge
e. Gaining one electron to form a 1- anion True BUT gaining electrons increases the size.
f. Losing one electron to form a 1+ cation True and it decreases the size but not as much as losing two electrons.
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
3 answers
Much obliged. I appreciate how you explain how to figure it out, as opposed to just telling me the answer.
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