Question

Why are cations smaller than neutral atoms

Answer 1

cations have positive charge so the nucleaus ppull the elctrins towarda its center so their size decreases.
But neautral atom dont uqve any charge and the electrons doesnt experience any pull so they r bigger than cations

Answer 2

Cations are generally smaller than the neutral atoms cuz when an electron is taken out from an atom,due to lesser electronic repulsion now,the nuclear charge overpowers the inter electronic repulsions and hence the elctrons gets more attracted towards the nucleus,which ultimately results in the shrinking of the atom.

HOPE IT HELPS U FRND.