Question

why is an ion of lithium is larger than an ion of beryllium? lithium ions have more electrons than beryllium ions, so in lithium ions experience more repulsion. lithium ions have fewer electrons than beryllium ions, so in lithium experience less repulsion. lithium ions have fewer protons than beryllium ions, so ions have a smaller nuclear attraction to the valence electrons. lithium ions have more protons than beryllium ions, so have a larger nuclear attraction to the valence electrons. clear all

Explanation:

The size of an ion depends on the balance between the number of protons in the nucleus (nuclear charge) and the number of electrons. Lithium (Li) has an atomic number of 3 and beryllium (Be) has an atomic number of 4. Lithium ions ($Li^+$) have 2 electrons and 3 protons, while beryllium ions ($Be^{2 +}$) have 2 electrons and 4 protons. With fewer protons, lithium ions have a smaller nuclear attraction to the valence - electrons, resulting in a larger ionic radius.

Answer:

Lithium ions have fewer protons than beryllium ions, so lithium ions have a smaller nuclear attraction to the valence electrons.