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Ionic Radius

Brian, Leon, Amanda, Michelle, Rachel

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What is an ion? Explain the difference between an anion and a cation regarding electrons.

An ion is an atom with a net electrical charge due to a loss or addition of electrons. Anions are ions that have gained electrons causing them to have a negative net charge. Cations are ions that have lost electrons causing them to have a positive net charge.

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Which type of elements tend to lose electrons? Which type of elements tend to gain electrons?

Halogens, nonmetals and metalloids tend to gain electrons because they have higher electronegativity. Most metals tend to lose electrons because of their lower electronegativity.

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What is the periodic trend regarding ionic radius?

The noble gases do not form ions. The nonmetals all form anions. The metals will mostly form cations, but may form anions due to different ionic states.

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Is the general periodic trend different between cations and anions? Explain.

Yes, cations are smaller than their respective atoms while anions are larger than their respective atoms.

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What is the group trend regarding ionic radius?

Within each group, the ionic radius increases as you descend down the group. For example, group 17’s ionic radii from smallest to largest is F, Cl, Br, I, At.

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List the following elements in order of increasing ionic radius: Li, P, I, Mg. Show and explain why these trends occur using a periodic table.

P, I, Li, Mg. There is a picture below.

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How is understanding this trend useful in science? What application does it have?

Understanding this trend will help us understand the charges of elements. This will help us determine their sizes in comparison to their relative atoms. We can then find out where they are on a periodic table.