Atoms of element A and atoms of element B react to form a compound. In the reaction, the radius of each atom of element A is decreased. Which of the following explains this decrease in atomic radius in the reaction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When atoms of element A lose electrons to atoms of element B, they become positively charged ions. Losing electrons reduces the electron cloud around the nucleus, leading to a decrease in the atomic radius because the electrostatic attraction between the remaining electrons and the nucleus increases, pulling the electrons closer to the nucleus.

Atoms of Element a and Atoms of Element B React