MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #1745

When a neutral Chlorine atom gains an electron to become a Chloride ion (Cl-), the radius increases because:

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #1745

  1. Question 1

    Q1. When a neutral Chlorine atom gains an electron to become a Chloride ion (Cl-), the radius increases because:

    • A) Effective nuclear charge increases
    • B) Electron-electron repulsion increases
    • C) A new electron shell is added
    • D) The number of protons decreases

    Answer: Electron-electron repulsion increases

    Explanation: Radius increases because electron-electron repulsion increases in the same shell. Option A fails as cations are smaller than their parent atoms.