Foundation
Chemistry Foundation
Atomic Radius Periodicity
Question

Which of the following is smallest in size -

all have equal size 

Na+    

Li+    

Na    

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Solution

Atomic size decreases across a period and increases down a group. Cations are smaller than their parent atoms. Among isoelectronic ions, size decreases with increasing nuclear charge.

Comparing the given species:

  • Na (sodium atom) is the largest.
  • Na+ and Li+ are cations, smaller than their atoms.
  • Na+ and Li+ are isoelectronic (both have 10 electrons).
  • Li+ has a higher nuclear charge (Z=3) than Na+ (Z=11) for the same number of electrons, pulling the electron cloud closer.

Therefore, Li+ has the smallest ionic radius.

Final Answer: Li+