Which of the following is true?
I. A neutral atom is larger than its corresponding cation. (for example:
Na > Na⁺)
II. A neutral atom is larger than its corresponding anion. (for example:
O > O^{2 -})
III. Ionic radii increase down a group. (for example:
Li⁺

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

I. True, because when an atom loses an electron to become a cation, its electron cloud contracts due to a decrease in electron-electron repulsion and an increase in the effective nuclear charge per electron. III. True, because as you move down a group in the periodic table, atoms have more electron shells, making their ionic radii larger. II is false because an anion, which gains electrons, is larger than its neutral atom due to increased electron-electron repulsion.

Which of the Following Is True