Which of the following are always larger than the neutral atoms from which they are formed?

A. positive ions

B. negative ions

C. cations

D. none of the above

A. positive ions : Positive ions are formed when a neutral atom loses electrons. When neutral atoms lose electrons, the ions formed are always smaller than the neutral atoms.

B. negative ions : Yes. When the neutral atoms gain electrons to form negative ions, they always become larger, because the addition of one electron increases the electrostatic repulsion of the outermost electrons, forcing them to drift apart.

C. cations No. Cation is the same that positive ion.

D. none of the above