1. explain why anions are larger than their respective atoms and cations are smaller than their respective atoms.

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David Davis

Chemistry

9 April, 13:14

1. explain why anions are larger than their respective atoms and cations are smaller than their respective atoms.

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Roth · Answer 1

Anions are formed by the acceptance of electrons in order to fill the valence orbital resulting in a negative charge, this unbalanced charge causes repulsion in the outer most electrons causing the Anions size to be larger than the parent atom, Whereas Cations form by donating electrons gaining a net positive charge which has a greater attraction for the remaining electrons with the nucleus resulting in a decreased size as compared to the parent.