which of the following ions has the smallest radius and why?
F-, Cl-, K+, Ca 2+

Question

which of the following ions has the smallest radius and why?
F-, Cl-, K+, Ca 2+

aaronq · Answer

notice they all the same amount of electrons (which dictates their radius)
which one has more protons?

aaronq · Answer

well except F- so you can scratch that one

anonymous · Answer

the Ca would have the most proteins b/c of its high positive charge

anonymous · Answer

right??

aaronq · Answer

you're right but it's because it's Calcium, the element itself has a given number of protons which identifies it. so what do you know about charges? if the electron amount remained constant, but the positive charge that draws the (negatively charged) electron towards the nucleus was increased, how would that affect the radius?

anonymous · Answer

the radius decrease

aaronq · Answer

exactly so now that you know this, list these ions in terms of decreasing order..  largest to smallest radius

anonymous · Answer

so this would cause Calcium to have the smallest radius, right?

aaronq · Answer

yes