Which best explains why an Al 3+ ion is smaller than an Al atom?
In forming the Al³+ ion, the Al atom loses the electrons in its outermost energy
level, causing a decrease in the atomic radius.
In forming the Al3+ ion, the Al atom gains three protons and the resulting net
positive charge keeps the electrons more strongly attracted to the nucleus,
reducing the radius.
The Al3+ ion contains more electrons than the Al atom, which results in a greater
attraction for the nucleus and a smaller atomic radius.
In forming the A13+ ion, the Al atom adds electrons into a higher energy level,
causing a decrease in the atomic radius.
There are more protons in an Al3+ ion than there are in an Al atom.
