How do the sizes of cations (positive ions) and anions (negative ions) compare with the size of neutral atoms?
Cations are generally smaller in size than the neutral atoms from which they are derived. This is because cations have lost one or more electrons, resulting in a decrease in electron-electron repulsion and a smaller electron cloud around the nucleus.
Anions, on the other hand, are typically larger in size than the neutral atoms from which they are derived. This is because anions have gained one or more electrons, leading to increased electron-electron repulsion and a larger electron cloud around the nucleus.
Overall, cations are smaller than neutral atoms, while anions are larger than neutral atoms.