The ion with the smallest diameter is ________. A)Li⁺ B)Na⁺ C)K⁺ D)Rb⁺ E)Cs⁺

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ions all have the same number of electrons in their outermost energy level (valence electrons), but as you move down the periodic table, the atomic radius increases due to the addition of more electron shells. Since ionic radius is determined by atomic radius, the ion with the smallest diameter will be the one with the smallest atomic radius. Among the given options, lithium has the smallest atomic radius because it is the smallest atom in the group. Therefore, the ion with the smallest diameter is Li⁺.

The Ion with the Smallest Diameter Is ________