List in order of increasing size: Cl^-,Ar,K⁺,S^2-,Ca^2+. A)Ca²⁺

Question

List in order of increasing size: Cl^-,Ar,K⁺,S^2-,Ca^2+. A)Ca²⁺ < K⁺ < Ar < Cl^- < S^2- B)S^2- < Cl^- < Ar < K⁺ < Ca²⁺ C)Ca²⁺ < S^2- < K⁺ < Ar < Cl^- D)Cl^- < Ar < K⁺ < S^2- < Ca²⁺ E)K⁺ < S^2- < Ar < Cl^- < Ca²⁺

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The size of ions and atoms increases with the number of electrons (due to increased electron-electron repulsion) and decreases with the positive charge (due to increased nuclear pull on electrons). Here, Ca2+ has the smallest size due to its high positive charge, removing electrons and thus reducing size. K+ is slightly larger due to its similar charge but larger atomic number. Ar is neutral and falls in the middle. Cl- is larger due to the addition of an electron, increasing repulsion. S2- is the largest due to having two added electrons, further increasing electron-electron repulsion.

List in Order of Increasing Size: Cl-,Ar,K+,S2-,Ca2+.

List in Order of Increasing Size: Cl^-,Ar,K⁺,S^2-,Ca^2+.