Question

How does a lithium cation compare to a lithium atom?

Answer 1

There are many basis of comparisons actually

Explanation:

If in terms of size we say lithium cation is smaller than lithium atom ion ..
this is because since in lithium cation was formed by losing electrons (while it was lithium atom)
- so now in lithium cation no of e- is less and p+ is more so effective nuclear charge here is increasing
-thus the size in lithium caion decreases due to this and
HENCE LITHIUM CATION SIZE < LITHIUM ATOM (PARENT ATOM)

.....................................hope it helps............................:)