Question

Give reasons for the following statements:
a. Cations are smaller in size than the corresponding atom
b. Size of the atom increases as we move down a group.
c. Atomic size decreases as we move across a period.​

Answer 1

Answer:

a) because they lose electrons in their outer most shell to become positive electrons

B) because the number of shells increases

C) because number of shells remain the same and nuclear charge increases

Answer 2

Explanation:

(a) Cations are smaller in size than their corresponding atoms because they carry only one electron for the purpose of chemical bonding (ionic bonding).

(b) Size of the atom increases down the group because 1 additional shell is added to the atom with each subsequent period.

(c) The atomic size decreases across a period because the effective Nuclear charge on the valence electrons is decreased across a period. Thus, non Metallic elements tend to gain electrons rather than losing them, while forming bonds with other elements.