Question

multiple - choice question
choose the larger item
potassium atom (k)
potassium cation (k+1)
rewatch

Explanation:

Step1: Understand ion - formation principle

When a potassium atom (K) loses an electron to form a potassium cation (K⁺), the electron - cloud size changes.

Step2: Analyze electron - cloud size

A potassium atom has one more electron than a potassium cation. The outermost electron in a potassium atom is in the 4s orbital. When it forms a K⁺ ion, it loses this outermost 4s electron. The remaining electrons are pulled in more closely to the nucleus due to the increased effective nuclear charge (since there are more protons relative to electrons). So, the electron - cloud of the potassium atom is larger.

Answer:

Potassium Atom (K)