Question

periodic table high school reference sheet
which of the following correctly completes the statement?
cations are always ____ than the parent atom and anions are always ____ than the parent atom.
a. smaller, smaller
b. larger, smaller
c. smaller, larger
d. larger, larger

Explanation:

Cations are formed when an atom loses electrons. Losing electrons reduces electron - electron repulsion and the remaining electrons are pulled closer to the nucleus, making cations smaller than the parent atom. Anions are formed when an atom gains electrons. Gaining electrons increases electron - electron repulsion, and the electrons spread out more, making anions larger than the parent atom.

Answer:

C. smaller, larger