29. Sodium atoms are much larger than chlorine atoms, but in NaCl sodium ions are much smaller than chloride ions. Why?

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**29. Sodium atoms are much larger than chlorine atoms, but in NaCl sodium ions are much smaller than chloride ions. Why?**

This question addresses the size comparison between neutral atoms and their respective ions, specifically sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) in sodium chloride (NaCl). In their atomic form, sodium atoms are indeed larger than chlorine atoms. However, when they form ions in a compound like NaCl, sodium becomes a cation (Na⁺) by losing an electron, which reduces its size. Chlorine gains an electron to become an anion (Cl⁻), which increases its size due to added electron-electron repulsion. Thus, in NaCl, sodium ions are smaller than chloride ions.
Transcribed Image Text:**29. Sodium atoms are much larger than chlorine atoms, but in NaCl sodium ions are much smaller than chloride ions. Why?** This question addresses the size comparison between neutral atoms and their respective ions, specifically sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) in sodium chloride (NaCl). In their atomic form, sodium atoms are indeed larger than chlorine atoms. However, when they form ions in a compound like NaCl, sodium becomes a cation (Na⁺) by losing an electron, which reduces its size. Chlorine gains an electron to become an anion (Cl⁻), which increases its size due to added electron-electron repulsion. Thus, in NaCl, sodium ions are smaller than chloride ions.
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