Question

2 multiple choice 5 points which of the following correctly completes the statement: cations are always ____ than the parent atom. smaller bigger the same clear my selection

Explanation:

Cations are formed when an atom loses electrons. When electrons are lost, the remaining electrons are more strongly attracted to the nucleus due to the relatively higher positive charge of the nucleus (as the number of protons remains the same while the number of electrons decreases). This stronger attraction pulls the remaining electrons closer to the nucleus, resulting in a smaller ionic radius compared to the parent atom.

Answer:

Smaller