Why is s2 bigger than s

In general, when an element becomes charged the anion will get the bigger and the cation will get smalled compared to the uncharged element. Interestingly, the atomic radii of Li and Mg are 1. If one were comparing just the neutral atoms Mg and S, the S atom would be smaller as both elements are in the same period and sulfur is more to the right. Skip to content Common questions. April 23, Joe Ford. Therefore, the oxide anion will have the larger atomic radius.

If one were comparing just the neutral atoms Mg and S, the S atom would be smaller as both elements are in the same period and sulfur is more to the right. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Ben Davis June 18, Which is bigger Na or RB? Is S or S 2 smaller? Email Link. The answer is Cl-, S2-, and P Why is this the order? So, the difference between their ionic radii comes down to the difference in their nuclear charge.

Now compare K and S2- K must be bigger because you are just starting to fill the 4th shell, while S2- only has electrons in 3 shells. However as you go along the period from K to Ca, Sc, etc. This argument is not complete, as it does not compare nuclear charges.