Question

When electrons are removed from the outermost shell of a calcium atom, the atom becomes
an anion that has a larger radius than the atom.
an anion that has a smaller radius than the atom.
a cation that has a larger radius than the atom.
a cation that has a smaller radius than the atom.

Answer 1

A cation that has a smaller radius than the atom.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

When a neutral atom gain electrons then it acquires a negative charge whereas when an atom loses electrons then it acquires a positive charge.

For example, atomic number of calcium is 20 and in order to attain stability it loses two electrons and thus its forms $Ca^{2+}$ ion.

Thus, there will be decrease in the size of its radius due to loss of electrons.

Therefore, we can conclude that when electrons are removed from the outermost shell of a calcium atom, the atom becomes a cation that has a smaller radius than the atom.