Question

How do the electronic structures of the atoms of a metallic element change when they react?

Answer 1

Metals are usually oxidized......

Explanation:

And oxidation involves the LOSS of the valence electrons, cf.

`Ca rarr Ca^(2+) + 2e^-` or......

`Fe rarr Fe^(2+) + 2e^-`

`Fe rarr Fe^(3+) + 3e^-`

And for every oxidation reaction, there is a corresponding reduction reaction, usually of dioxygen to give the metal oxide, i.e. for iron to give rusts.....

Would the ionic radius be greater or less than the metallic radius? Why?