How does ionic radius differ from atomic radius?

Question

Naomi Aronson · Accepted Answer

Well, reasonably elemental anions should have a radius GREATER than the atomic radius.........Do you agree? Why #"reasonably"#?

And elemental cations should have a SMALLER radius than the atomic radius. As chemists, as physical scientists we should examine the data......

Are the data here consistent with what I have argued? The units are quoted in #"picometres"#, #10^-12*m#.

Luna Chen · Answer

undefined Ionic radius refers to the size of an ion, which is typically larger than its corresponding neutral atom due to the gain or loss of electrons. Atomic radius, on the other hand, refers to the size of a neutral atom, and it is measured as half the distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms of the same element.

Noah Aldrich · Answer

undefined Atomic radius refers to the size of an atom, which is typically measured as the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron orbital in an atom. Ionic radius, on the other hand, refers to the size of an ion, which is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge. Ionic radius can vary depending on whether the ion has gained or lost electrons compared to its neutral atom. Generally, cations (positively charged ions) have smaller ionic radii compared to their neutral atoms, because they have lost electrons and the remaining electrons are pulled closer to the nucleus. Conversely, anions (negatively charged ions) have larger ionic radii compared to their neutral atoms, because they have gained electrons and the increased electron-electron repulsion causes the electron cloud to expand.