Questions: Considering that the size of the ion also depends on the size of its solvation shell (the water molecules surrounding the ion in solution), conclude which ion (Na+, Li+, K+) has a larger solvation shell.

Solution Steps

The solvation shell of an ion refers to the layer of solvent molecules, such as water, that surround the ion in a solution. The size of the solvation shell is influenced by the charge density of the ion, which is determined by the charge of the ion and its ionic radius.

Charge density is higher for ions with smaller radii and the same charge. Among the ions given, \(\mathrm{Li}^{+}\), \(\mathrm{Na}^{+}\), and \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\), \(\mathrm{Li}^{+}\) has the smallest ionic radius, followed by \(\mathrm{Na}^{+}\), and then \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\).

A higher charge density results in a stronger attraction between the ion and the surrounding water molecules, leading to a larger solvation shell. Therefore, the ion with the highest charge density, \(\mathrm{Li}^{+}\), will have the largest solvation shell.

Final Answer