question_answer 1)

Describe the theory associated with the radius of an atom as it : (a) gains an electron (b) loses an electron

Answer:

(a) When a neutral atom gains an electron, anion is formed and its radius increases. In anion the effective nuclear charge decreases and thereby electron cloud expands, i.e., size increases. (b) When a neutral atom loses an electron, cation is formed and its radius decreases. In cation, the effective nuclear charge increases and thereby electron cloud contracts, i.e., size decreases.