Math

Question(D) The bromide ion is then larger than the bromine atom.
PQ-24. Which ion has the largest radius? (A) ClCl^{-} (B) FF^{-} (C) K+K^{+} (D) Cu2+Cu^{2+}

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? Which of these ions, ClCl^{-}, FF^{-}, K+K^{+}, and Cu2+Cu^{2+}, has the biggest radius? Watch out! Adding electrons makes ions *bigger*, and removing electrons makes them *smaller*!

STEP 2

1. Periodic Trends
2. Analyze Each Ion

STEP 3

Alright, let's talk about **atomic radius**!
As we move down a group in the periodic table, the atomic radius *increases*.
This happens because we're adding more **electron shells**, like adding layers to an onion, making the atom bigger!

STEP 4

As we move across a period from left to right, the atomic radius generally *decreases*.
Even though we're adding more electrons, they're going into the *same* electron shell.
At the same time, the number of protons in the nucleus is increasing.
This increased positive charge pulls the electrons in tighter, making the atom smaller!

STEP 5

Chlorine gains one electron to become ClCl^{-}.
Adding an electron increases the electron-electron repulsion, making the ion *larger* than the neutral chlorine atom.

STEP 6

Fluorine also gains one electron to become FF^{-}, making it *larger* than neutral fluorine.
However, fluorine is *above* chlorine in the periodic table, so neutral fluorine is smaller than neutral chlorine.
Therefore, FF^{-} is smaller than ClCl^{-}.

STEP 7

Potassium *loses* one electron to become K+K^{+}.
Losing an electron reduces electron-electron repulsion and allows the nucleus to pull the remaining electrons in tighter.
This makes K+K^{+} significantly *smaller* than the neutral potassium atom.

STEP 8

Copper *loses* two electrons to become Cu2+Cu^{2+}.
Losing two electrons makes Cu2+Cu^{2+} even *smaller* than K+K^{+}, which only lost one electron.
Also, copper is to the right of potassium in the periodic table, so it's already smaller to begin with!

STEP 9

ClCl^{-} is the largest ion among the choices!
We know adding electrons makes ions bigger, and ClCl^{-} gained an electron.
Plus, chlorine is lower on the periodic table than fluorine, making it bigger to start with!

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