- Cations are smaller than their parent atoms: When an atom loses electrons to form a cation, the number of protons in the nucleus remains the same, but the number of electrons decreases. This results in a stronger attraction between the nucleus and the remaining electrons, pulling them closer and reducing the atomic radius.
- Anions are larger than their parent atoms: Conversely, when an atom gains electrons to form an anion, the number of electrons increases while the number of protons remains the same. This leads to a weaker attraction between the nucleus and the electrons, causing the electrons to be less tightly bound and the atomic radius to increase.
The magnitude of these changes in atomic radius depends on factors such as the charge of the ion, the number of electrons gained or lost, and the electron configuration of the atom.
