Questions: Rank the following from smallest radius to largest radius. Items (3 items) (Drag and drop into the appropriate area) Cs Rb^+ Rb

Solution Steps

• Atomic radius refers to the size of a neutral atom, while ionic radius refers to the size of an ion.
• Cations (positively charged ions) are generally smaller than their neutral atoms because they lose electrons, reducing electron-electron repulsion and allowing the remaining electrons to be pulled closer to the nucleus.

• Cs (Cesium) and Rb (Rubidium) are both alkali metals, with Cs being below Rb in the periodic table. Generally, atomic radius increases down a group due to the addition of electron shells.
• \( \mathrm{Rb}^{+} \) is a cation formed by the loss of one electron from a neutral Rb atom, making it smaller than the neutral Rb atom.

• Compare the sizes: \( \mathrm{Rb}^{+} \) is smaller than Rb because it is a cation. Rb is smaller than Cs because Cs is further down the group in the periodic table.
• Therefore, the order from smallest to largest radius is: \( \mathrm{Rb}^{+} \), Rb, Cs.

Final Answer