The relationship between atomic radius and ionic radius can be explored by examining species that differ only in the gain or loss of electrons. Consider the four particles listed below: F (neutral atom), F−, Ne, and Na+.
a. Part 1: (a) Compare the size of a neutral F atom with that of the F− ion. Provide a qualitative explanation for the observed difference.
b. Part 2: (b) Although F− and Ne contain the same number of electrons, their radii differ. Explain why the species with the greater nuclear charge has the smaller radius.
c. Part 3: (c) Neutral Na atoms have a substantially larger radius than Na+ ions, even though Na+ is isoelectronic with Ne. Describe the atomic-level changes that lead to this pronounced size difference.