Which pair begins wtih the larger particle?

a)K+, K
b)N,N -3
c)Mg+2,Ca+2
d)F-,F
e)O-2,S-2

When electrons are pulled from the outside, the ion is SMALLER than the neutral atom.

When electrons are ADDED to the outside, the ion is LARGER than the atom. When comparing different ions, look at the position in the periodic table.

oh, duh. thanks, drbob222

To determine which pair begins with the larger particle, we need to compare the charges of the particles involved. The larger the charge, the larger the particle.

Let's analyze each option:

a) K+ and K
K+ has a positive charge as indicated by the "+". K is the neutral form of the element potassium. Since K+ has a positive charge, it has lost an electron and is smaller than the neutral K atom. Therefore, the pair begins with the smaller particle.

b) N and N-3
N is the neutral form of the element nitrogen. N-3 has a negative charge indicated by the "-3". N-3 has gained three electrons, making it larger than the neutral N atom. Therefore, the pair begins with the larger particle.

c) Mg+2 and Ca+2
Mg+2 and Ca+2 both have a positive charge indicated by the "+2". Both ions have lost two electrons, but we need to compare their sizes. Since calcium (Ca) is further down the periodic table than magnesium (Mg), it has more electron shells, resulting in a larger size. Therefore, the pair begins with the larger particle.

d) F- and F
F- has a negative charge indicated by the "-". F is the neutral form of the element fluorine. Since F- has gained an electron, it is larger than the neutral F atom. Therefore, the pair begins with the larger particle.

e) O-2 and S-2
O-2 and S-2 both have a negative charge indicated by the "-2". Both ions have gained two electrons, but we need to compare their sizes. Sulfur (S) is below oxygen (O) on the periodic table, which means it has more electron shells and is larger. Therefore, the pair begins with the larger particle.

In summary, the pair that begins with the larger particle is:

b) N,N-3