Question

The size of cation is smaller than its parent atom. This is due to _________ .

Answer 1

Cations are the atoms or molecules which have lost one or more electrons giving a net posture charge on the atom or molecule. This is because since now the number of protons is greater than the number of electrons. Hence, there is a net posture charge, and atom is not neutral anymore. Therefore, because of this loss of electron in forming a cation, the size of the cation is smaller than its parent atom.