Question

why are cations smaller than neutral atoms ?

Answer 1

Cations are always smaller thantheir parent atoms this is because they have lesser electrons, while their nuclear charge remains the same. The remaining electrons are, therefore held more tightly by the protons in the nucleus and thus their radii.are smaller than theparent atoms. This is opposite in case of anions.


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Answer 2

Cations smaller than neutral atoms because cations have higher effective nuclear charge than  neutral atoms

Explanation:

Atomic radii  is the distance from the center of the nucleus to the valence shell.

Let us explain it by taking an example of sodium.

Sodium atom being neutral has 11 protons and 11 electrons.

Sodium ion $(Na^+)$ has 10 electrons and 11 protons. Now 11 protons present in the nucleus can easily influence 10 electrons towards itself, the effective nuclear charge increases, the valence electrons are more tightly held by the nucleus and thus the size decreases.

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