Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 2: Problem 117

Estimate the relative sizes of the following species: \(\mathrm{Li}, \mathrm{Li}^{+}, \mathrm{Li}^{-}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The relative sizes of the lithium species are \( \mathrm{Li}^{+} < \mathrm{Li} < \mathrm{Li}^{-} \).

Step by step solution

01

Understand atomic size

The atomic size or atomic radius is determined by the distance between the nucleus and the electron cloud around it. It depends on the number of electrons, the charge of the nucleus and the energy level. In a neutral atom, number of protons in the nucleus equals the number of electrons. In ions, the number of electrons increases or decreases, but the number of protons stays the same.
02

Consider Lithium atom

In a neutral Lithium atom (\( \mathrm{Li} \)), there are three protons in its nucleus and three electrons in its electron cloud.
03

Consider Lithium ions

In a Lithium cation (\( \mathrm{Li}^{+} \)), one electron is lost. So, there are more protons than electrons and therefore, more attraction from the nucleus, making the size smaller. In a Lithium anion (\( \mathrm{Li}^{-} \)), one electron is gained. This additional electron adds to the repulsion in the electron cloud, hence, the size of the ion becomes larger than the neutral atom.
04

Order by size

Thus, the sizes of these species can be ordered as: \( \mathrm{Li}^{+} < \mathrm{Li} < \mathrm{Li}^{-} \). The Lithium cation is the smallest due to the removal of an electron and strongest attraction from the nucleus, the neutral Lithium atom is larger, and the Lithium anion is the largest due to additional repulsion in the electron cloud.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Why do all atoms of an element have the same atomic number, although they may have different mass numbers?

Draw two different structural formulas based on the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}\). Is the fact that you can have more than one compound with the same molecular formula consistent with Dalton's atomic theory?

Write the chemical formulas and names of binary acids and oxoacids that contain Group 7A elements. Do the same for elements in Groups \(3 \mathrm{~A}, 4 \mathrm{~A}, 5 \mathrm{~A},\) and \(6 \mathrm{~A}\).

Describe the changes in properties (from metals to nonmetals or from nonmetals to metals) as we move (a) down a periodic group and (b) across the periodic table from left to right.

Give an example of a case in which two molecules have different molecular formulas but the same empirical formula.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free