An N atom is smaller than a Be atom. Why is an N3- ion much bigger than a Be2+ ion? (Points : 3)
a Be2+ ion has more protons than a Be atom; an N3- ion has fewer protons than an N atom
the nitrogen ion has more protons in its nucleus than does the beryllium ion
the nitrogen anion has a bigger amount of charge than the beryllium cation
cations are smaller than their neutral atoms; anions are larger than their neutral atoms

Question

An N atom is smaller than a Be atom. Why is an N3- ion much bigger than a Be2+ ion? (Points : 3)
       a Be2+ ion has more protons than a Be atom; an N3- ion has fewer protons than an N atom
       the nitrogen ion has more protons in its nucleus than does the beryllium ion
       the nitrogen anion has a bigger amount of charge than the beryllium cation
       cations are smaller than their neutral atoms; anions are larger than their neutral atoms

anonymous · Answer

the first 2 choices are wrong because anions/cations in no way change the # of protons in an element (only their electrons)
3rd choice is incorrect as well
4th choice is true, because in cations, you have less electrons = less shells = less atom size, and vice versa for more electrons (anions)