Use the following information to answer questions 14-16
The radius of atoms and ions is typically measured in Angstroms \((A),\) which
is equivalent to \(1 * 10^{-10} \mathrm{m} .\) Below is a table of information
for three different elements.
TABLE NOT AVAILABLE
The phosphorus ion is larger than a neutral phosphorus atom, yet a zinc ion is
smaller than a neutral zinc atom. Which of the following statements best
explains why?
(A) The zinc atom has more protons than the phosphorus atom.
(B) The phosphorus atom is paramagnetic, but the zinc atom is diamagnetic.
(C) Phosphorus gains electrons when forming an ion, but zinc loses them.
(D) The valence electrons in zinc are further from the nucleus than those in
phosphorus.