When an atom of lithium loses an electron, the atom becomes a

(1) negative ion with a radius smaller than the radius of the atom

(2) negative ion with a radius larger than the radius of the atom

(3) positive ion with a radius smaller than the radius of the atom

(4) positive ion with a radius larger than the radius of the atom

Question

Isabel Donovan

Chemistry

26 November, 11:18

When an atom of lithium loses an electron, the atom becomes a

(1) negative ion with a radius smaller than the radius of the atom

(2) negative ion with a radius larger than the radius of the atom

(3) positive ion with a radius smaller than the radius of the atom

(4) positive ion with a radius larger than the radius of the atom

+3

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Rashad Park · Answer 1

Because lithium is losing an electron, it will consequently have one more proton than electron, making it positive (rule out 1 and 2). A cation is always smaller than its neutral atom, so 3 is your answer.