Question

Which of the following ions is smallest in size?
(a) CI (6) Na (c) Mg2+
(d) s2-

Answer 1

Answer:

option (c) is correct anwer

Answer 2

The ion smallest in size is -

(c) Mg+2

• The cation of a given element has a smaller radius than the neutral atom due to the excess positive nuclear charge compared with the negative charge of the electrons.

• The greater attraction between the nucleus and the electrons draws the electrons closer to the nucleus due to this the element will contract and will reduce in size.

• The larger the cationic charge, the greater will be this contraction of radius.

• Where multiple cations of an element exist, the cationic radius decreases greatly as the cation charge increases.