In comparison to the parent atom, the size of the — Periodic Table and Periodicity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

I notice your question is incomplete — it cuts off after "the size of the" without specifying what is being compared (anion, cation, etc.) or providing the answer choices. However, here's the **general principle** for size comparisons: **When an atom gains electrons (forms an anion):** - Electron-electron repulsion increases - Electron cloud expands - **Anion is LARGER than parent atom** **When an atom loses electrons (forms a cation):** - Electron-electron repulsion decreases - Effective nuclear charge per electron increases - **Cation is SMALLER than parent atom** For example: - $Cl$ vs $Cl^-$: The chloride ion is larger (gained 1 electron) - $Na$ vs $Na^+$: The sodium cation is smaller (lost 1 electron) --- **Please provide the complete question with answer choices (A, B, C, D, etc.) so I can explain specifically why A is correct and why the others are wrong.**