Why is the radius of Li+ so much smaller then that of Li? Why is the radius of F- much larger then that of F?

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Why is the radius of Li+ so much smaller then that of Li? Why is the radius of F- much larger then that of F?

2007-12-16 12:04:55 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics

2 answers

Li+ means that the Lithium Atom has LOST one electron. So this makes it a tiny bit smaller.

F- means that the Fluorine Atom has GAINED one electron. So this makes it a tiny bit bigger.

2007-12-20 09:13:02 · answer #1 · answered by TOM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Going from Li to Li+ entails the removal of the entire first p-orbital. The remaining s-orbital is more compact since it has greater negative energy and no orbital angular momentum.

2007-12-16 21:55:38 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋