which is largest: potassium atom,potassium ion w/ charge of 1+ or rubidium atom?

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which is largest: potassium atom,potassium ion w/ charge of 1+ or rubidium atom?

2006-10-04 18:23:17 · 3 answers · asked by Selma I 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

3 answers

One would say Rubidium since it is just below Potassium in the Periodic Table.

However, in terms of van der Waals radius (imaginary hard sphere surface), Postssium has an Atomic radius of 277 pm while Rubidium has an Atomic radius of 247.5 pm.

2006-10-04 19:16:00 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 69⤊ 0⤋

Well Potassium ion with a charge of 1+ is just missing an electron, so definately not that. Rubidium's atomic # is 37, and potassium's is 19, so rubidium is the biggest.

2006-10-05 01:27:44 · answer #2 · answered by nickstracco 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Rubidium atom due to the larger no. of principal quantum shells

2006-10-05 05:07:03 · answer #3 · answered by weijunchen88 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋