Question

The size of anions is............than the atom whereas the size of cations is............... than the atom from which they are formed.

• A. larger, smaller
• B. smaller, larger
• C. equal, smaller
• D. smaller, smaller

Answer 1

The correct option is A larger, smaller

The size of anions is larger than the atom from which they are formed. On the other hand, the size of cations is smaller than the atom from which they are formed. Since anions have more electrons revolving around the nucleus compared to protons in the nucleus, the pull of nucleus on electrons becomes less. Therefore, electrons move away from the nucleus resulting in the increased size of anions. And cations are smaller in size. Since cations have fewer electrons, the effective nuclear attraction increases, pulling them towards the nucleus resulting in the decreased size of cations.