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Explain, in terms of atomic structure, why the radius of an Na atom is larger than the radius of an Na+ ion.

Sagot :

The NA+ ion has less electrons and therefore, the positive charge on Na+ is greater, pulling the electrons closer to the nucleus. Therefore, if the electrons move closer to the nucleus the radius will decrease.
Not only this, but the Na ion also drops a valence level because it only has one electron on its outer valence level. Therefore, another solution is that if the valence level drops, the radius drops as well

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