Which of the two groups highlighted in the periodic table in Figure P21.3 typically forms ions t

step 1 Atomic radius is based on effective nuclear charge, which is the net force of the traction betwe

Which of the two groups highlighted in the periodic table in...

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Key Concepts

Atomic and Ionic Radii

Atomic radius is a measure of the size of a neutral atom, while ionic radius refers to the size of an atom when it has gained or lost electrons. The change in electron number leads to adjustments in electron-electron repulsion and effective nuclear charge, resulting in a radius that can be different from that of the neutral atom.

Cation vs. Anion Formation

When atoms form cations by losing electrons, the reduced electron-electron repulsion and the operation of a stronger effective nuclear charge cause the ion to have a smaller radius than the original neutral atom. Conversely, when atoms form anions by gaining electrons, the increased electron-electron repulsion makes the electron cloud expand, resulting in an ionic radius that is larger than the neutral atomic radius.

Periodic Trends

Periodic trends explain systematic variations of atomic properties, including ionic sizes, across the periodic table. Elements on the nonmetal side of the table, which typically form anions upon gaining electrons, exhibit an increase in radius relative to their neutral atoms, while elements that form cations generally show decreased radii compared to their neutral forms.

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