Question

How does a lithium cation compare to a lithium atom? The cation is larger. The cation has the same radius. The cation is smaller. The cation has the same charge

Answer 1

Answer:

             The cation is smaller.

Explanation:

                    Electronic configuration of Lithium atom is as follow,

                                                          Li =  1s², 2s¹

while, Electronic configuration of Lithium cation is as follow,

                                                         Li⁺  =  1s²

The Lithium Cation is smaller because,

i)   Less Energy Levels:

                                     As depicted in electronic configurations, the valence shell of Li atom is 2 while, that of Li cation is 1 as a result the distance of valence electrons and nucleus has decreased resulting in small size.

ii)   Less Shielding Effect:

                                        The effect in which the core electrons shield the valence electron from nucleus pull is known as shielding effect. In Li cation there are no core electrons hence, the electrons are more attracted towards proton resulting in small size.

iii)   More Nuclear Charge:

                                       In Li atom there are three protons and three electrons so, three protons attract three electrons and the game run some what balance. But, as tone electron is lost in Li Cation, the proton side gets stronger and apply more pull on electrons and made them more closer to the nucleus resulting in size decrease.

Answer 2

The right answer for the question that is being asked and shown above is that: "The cation is smaller." a lithium cation compare to a lithium atom is that The cation is smaller.