Chapter 6, Problem 43A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The ionic radius of a metal is to be compared with its atomic radius.

Concept Introduction :

An ion is formed by gaining or losing electrons by an atom. The number of electrons lost or gained by an atom becomes its charge. If an element loses electrons, it has a positive charge. In the symbol for an ion, the charge is represented as a superscript of the symbol of the atom for that element.

Answer to Problem 43A

Ionic radius if the metal is smaller than its metal.

Explanation of Solution

Metals tend to form cations or positively charged ions by losing electrons.

When an atom loses one or more electrons, a positively charged ion or cation is formed. The cations are smaller in size than the atom from which it is formed. This is because they contain fewer electrons while having the same nuclear charge (no. of protons). The protons in the nucleus are holding the residual electrons more firmly and so, their radii are less than those of the parent atoms.

Thus, the ionic radius of metals is smaller than their atomic radius.