Question

question 4 (2 points)
which of the following statements is correct?
an anion is smaller than a neutral atom.
a anion is smaller than an cation.
a cation is smaller than a neutral atom.
an atoms size does not change when it becomes a cation.

Explanation:

When an atom loses electrons to form a cation, the remaining electrons are pulled closer to the nucleus due to reduced electron - electron repulsion and increased effective nuclear charge. This causes the cation to be smaller than the neutral atom. An anion is formed when an atom gains electrons. The added electrons increase electron - electron repulsion, causing the electron cloud to expand, so an anion is larger than the neutral atom. Also, cations are smaller than anions as cations have lost electrons (reduced electron cloud) and anions have gained electrons (expanded electron cloud).

Answer:

C. A cation is smaller than a neutral atom.