Answer to Question #95657 in General Chemistry for Baah Raphael

Question

Choose the larger atoms and explain why.
Na+ and Cl-
Cl- and Ar
Al3+ and Mg2+

Answer 1

Na+ > Cl-.

Cl- > Ar.

Al3+ < Mg2+.

If the ions derived from different atoms are isoelectronic species, then they all have same number of electrons in their electronic shells and will have got same electronic configuration but their nuclear charge will differ because of their difference in number of protons in the nucleus. With increase in number of protons in the nucleus the electrons are more attracted towards nucleus thereby causing the decrease in ionic radius. On this principle our problem will be solved