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neutral K atom has 19 electrons with electronic configuration of 2,8,8,1 but K +1 has 18 electrons with electronic configuration of 2,8,8. Thus removing an electron from neutral k atom means only 3 energy shells in k ion as compared to 4 shells in a neutral k atom. Lesser shells means more close to nucleus, thus more attraction by the nucleus which means smaller atomic size. It has one less shell containing electrons.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThat's because K atom is the neutral atomic form, having 19 protons in the core and 19 electrons, but the K+ ion has 19 protons (19 positive charge) and only 18 electron (18 negative charge). This means, the effective attraction of the electrons is bigger, because not one proton has to attract one electron, but 19/18 proton has to attract one electron. More effective attraction pulls the remaining 18 electron closer to the positive core, making the potassium and all the other alkali metal (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr) ions' electron cloud smaller. And also that's the reason for the halogenic negative ions (F,Cl,Br,I) to be bigger than the atom: they have more negative charge, so the electrons are not as attracted to the core as they are in the atomic form.
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Is the size of a positive ion generally bigger or smaller than the size of the neutral form which it forms?
We are working on this in Physical Science class. A negative ion is larger then its parent atom. A positive ion is smaller then its parent atom. =]
Is a rubidium larger or smaller than a neutral atom?
Rubidium is a neutral atom in its elemental form. The rubidium ion, found in rubidium compounds, is smaller than a neutral rubidium atom.
Which atom has the greater atomic radius Potassium or Krypton?
The potassium atom has a larger radius. When potassium loses an electron to become a cation (positively charged ion), it also loses the energy level in which the electron was. Therefore the potassium ion is smaller that the potassium atom.
What can be concluded if an ion of an element is smaller than an atom of the same element?
The ion is positively charged because it has fewer electrons than the atom.
Is a positive ion smaller or larger than its parent atom?
A positive ion is smaller than its parent atom because it has less electrons than its parent atom. The reduced number of electrons are then pulled more tightly to the positive nucleus because the number of protons remains the same, and these now exceed the electrons in number.
Is potassium ion larger then a potassium atom?
No, it is smaller
When Mg forms an ion will the ion be smaller or longer than the atom?
The ion has a smaller diameter.
Is the size of a positive ion generally bigger or smaller than the size of the neutral form which it forms?
We are working on this in Physical Science class. A negative ion is larger then its parent atom. A positive ion is smaller then its parent atom. =]
Why size of hydrogen ion is greater than its atom?
It is NOT greater. It is smaller. This is because the Hydrogen ion has lost its electron from the atom and is thus smaller. The hydrogen ion is a proton.
Is a rubidium larger or smaller than a neutral atom?
Rubidium is a neutral atom in its elemental form. The rubidium ion, found in rubidium compounds, is smaller than a neutral rubidium atom.
Which atom has the greater atomic radius Potassium or Krypton?
The potassium atom has a larger radius. When potassium loses an electron to become a cation (positively charged ion), it also loses the energy level in which the electron was. Therefore the potassium ion is smaller that the potassium atom.
What can be concluded if an ion of an element is smaller than an atom of the same element?
The ion is positively charged because it has fewer electrons than the atom.
When an atom of chlorine forms an ionic bond with an atom of sodium does the atom of chlorine become an ion with a smaller or larger radius than the atom of chlorine?
It becomes an ion with a larger radius than the atom of chlorine
Is a positive ion smaller or larger than its parent atom?
A positive ion is smaller than its parent atom because it has less electrons than its parent atom. The reduced number of electrons are then pulled more tightly to the positive nucleus because the number of protons remains the same, and these now exceed the electrons in number.
How is a potassium atom (K) different from a potassium ion (K )?
Potassium consists of potassium atoms with their valence electrons delocalized throughout the metal, put those electrons still essentially "belong" to their atoms. A potassium ion is a potassium atom that has lost its valence electron to another atom molecule or ion and therefore carries a 1+ charge.
Is a helium atom smaller than a hydrogen ion?
Yes, I think so
Is a negative ion larger or smaller than its parent atom?
Larger because a negative ion contains more electrons than its parent atom therefore it is larger. A positive ion would be smaller because it has less electrons than its parent atom.
