Atomic Size and Ion Behavior Explained

Atoms actually get smaller as you move across the periodic table. It sounds backward,

but it’s all about the nucleus's pull. As you go from left to right, you're adding more

protons, making the nucleus more positive. This stronger charge yanks the outer

electrons in tighter, shrinking the atom. This same force is why ions are different sizes.

When an atom loses an electron to become a positive ion, it gets way smaller because the nucleus's

pull on the remaining electrons gets even stronger. But when it gains an electron,

it puffs up, because the extra electron repulsion pushes everything apart.