Ionic radius

The ionic radius is the distance from the center of an ion's nucleus to its outermost electrons. When an atom gains electrons to become negatively charged (anion), its radius increases because of extra electron repulsion. Conversely, when it loses electrons to become positively charged (cation), the radius decreases due to fewer electrons and a stronger pull from the nucleus. Ionic radius helps us understand the size of ions in different chemical contexts, influencing how they interact and bond with each other in molecules and crystals.