Question

Does the ize of atoms change during chemical reactions?

Answer 1

During a chemical reaction, the size of both atoms and ions remains unchanged. However, if a given reaction involves the formation of ions from neutral atoms then there will be a change in size. This is because the cations are formed when atoms lose their valence electrons, and hence due to more positive charge and stronger electrostatic forces of attraction between the nucleus and the outermost shell, a cation is smaller than parent atom. Conversely, an anion is bigger in size than the parent atom.