Explain, in terms of atomic structure, why the radius of an Na atom is larger than the radius of an Na + ion.

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Chemistry

Mariah Baird

4 November, 22:24

Explain, in terms of atomic structure, why the radius of an Na atom is larger than the radius of an Na + ion.

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Kristina Mcmahon · Answer 1

In a Naatom, there are 11 protons controlling 11 electrons by electrostatic attraction. In Na + there are 11 protons controlling 10 electrons (you lost one to give Na+), so they can pull them in tighter!