wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Describe the theory associated with the radius of an atom as it :

(a) gains an electron
(b) loses an electron

Open in App
Solution

(a) When an atom gains an electron, it forms anion. The atomic radius is smaller than the radius of the anion. This is because the number of electrons has increased but the nuclear charge remains the same. Hence, the electrons are less tightly held by the nucleus due to which the size increases.

(b) When an atom loses an electron, it forms a cation. The atomic radius is larger than the ionic radius. The nuclear charge remains the same but the number of electrons decreases by 1. Hence, the effective nuclear charge per electron increases. The attraction between the nucleus and the valence electrons increases. Due to this, the radius decreases.

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
similar_icon
Similar questions
View More
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Neil Bohr Model
CHEMISTRY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon