Question

ionic radius
(stronger/weaker;
gains/loses)

• metals ions are

____ than metal
atoms, because the atom
____ electrons to
form the ion.

• nonmetal ions are

____ than
nonmetal atoms, because
the atom ____
electrons to form the ion.

Explanation:

1. For metal ions: Metal atoms tend to lose electrons to form cations. When an atom loses electrons, the remaining electron cloud is pulled in more tightly by the nucleus, resulting in a smaller ionic radius. So metal ions are smaller than metal atoms, and the atom loses electrons.
2. For nonmetal ions: Nonmetal atoms tend to gain electrons to form anions. Gaining electrons increases the electron - electron repulsion in the electron cloud, causing the electron cloud to expand. Thus, nonmetal ions are larger than nonmetal atoms, and the atom gains electrons.

Answer:

• Metals ions are \(\boldsymbol{\text{smaller}}\) than metal atoms, because the atom \(\boldsymbol{\text{loses}}\) electrons to form the ion.
• Nonmetal ions are \(\boldsymbol{\text{larger}}\) than nonmetal atoms, because the atom \(\boldsymbol{\text{gains}}\) electrons to form the ion.