The size of the species, Pb, Pb2+, Pb4+ decreases as : — Periodic Table and Periodicity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Recall that for any given element, the neutral atom is always larger than its cations because removing electrons increases the effective nuclear charge per remaining electron. Step 2: As the positive charge of the cation increases, the electron-electron repulsion decreases, and the nucleus pulls the remaining electrons closer, further reducing the ionic radius. Step 3: Therefore, the size of the species decreases in the order of Pb > Pb^2+ > Pb^4+.