Select the correct answer.

Which atom or ion is the largest?

A.
K
B.
K+
C.
Ca
D.
Ca2+
E.
Li

When an element is followed by a "+" or "-", it indicates that it is an ion, in which case the element has different number of electrons than the periodic table would suggest. Since elements on the periodic table are arranged in order of atomic number and size, we can see that the element with the highest atomic number is Ca, calcium. (We know that elements with higher atomic numbers are larger because they tend to have more electrons, and therefore more electron shells to increase its size)

When an element is followed by "+", it indicates that the ion is more positive than usual, typically because it has less electrons
When an element is followed by "-", it indicates that the ion is more negative than usual, typically because it has more electrons

(Don't forget that electrons are negative)

Since the only two Ca options are Ca or Ca2+, we can see that Ca2+ has a "+", meaning it has less electrons (specifically, 2 less electrons), meaning that its shell is smaller than the standard Ca element on its own. Therefore, Ca is the largest.

Select the correct answer. Which atom or ion is the largest? A. K B. K+ C. Ca D. Ca2+ E. Li

Answer :

Other Questions

Select the correct answer.

Which atom or ion is the largest?

A.
K
B.
K+
C.
Ca
D.
Ca2+
E.
Li