Isoelectronic Atoms

[chrisdinkel_4E]

I am confused by if two different atom have the same valence (i.e. one atom gain/lost an electron) why they wouldn't have the same structural size.
It makes sense that they would have very different properties.

[Nikki Bych 1I]

They are not the same size because there is a different attraction to the nucleus. For example, a cation (one less electron) is smaller because there are less electrons for the positive nucleus to pull on, pulling in the electrons tighter and making the atomic radius smaller.

[chrisdinkel_4E]

Ahh thanks!

[zoepamonag4C]

I think that even though the number of electrons is the same, the number of protons is still different. and the protons pull the electrons closer to the nucleus --> different radii

[Eunice Lee 1A]

Atoms of different elements still have their respective number of protons in the nucleus. Properties of elements depend on their nucleus. Electrons mainly affect bonding.