Question

explain which of these ions is larger, and why: cu⁺ or cu²⁺. part: 0 / 2 part 1 of 2 which ion is larger? o cu⁺ o cu²⁺

Explanation:

Both ions have the same nuclear charge (same number of protons in the copper - nucleus). However, $\text{Cu}^{2 + }$ has lost one more electron than $\text{Cu}^{+}$. With fewer electrons in $\text{Cu}^{2 + }$, the remaining electrons are pulled in more tightly by the positively - charged nucleus. In $\text{Cu}^{+}$, there is one more electron, which means greater electron - electron repulsion and a less tightly held electron cloud, resulting in a larger ionic radius.

Answer:

$\text{Cu}^{+}$