Na+ion is smaller than Na atom while Cl-ion is bigger than Cl atom.Why?

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Solution

A Na+ ion has lost an electron, which would otherwise push away other electrons, so it is smaller than a Na atom.
(The cation is formed by losing an electron(or more). Due to this, the number of protons in in the nucleus would be greater then the number of electrons in the atom. The effective nuclear charge would hence be more and the atom shrinks a little.)

A Cl- ion has gained an electron, which pushes away other electrons, making it bigger than a Cl atom.
(In the case of anion, the number of electrons would be more and the effective nuclear charge would be less leading to a little increase in the size.)

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