Question:

The hydrated metal ion that has the largest size is:

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Smaller cations with higher charge density form larger hydration shells, giving the largest effective hydrated radius.
Updated On: Jul 18, 2026
  • Na\(^+\)
  • Cs\(^+\)
  • Li\(^+\)
  • K\(^+\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand hydrated metal ion size.
The size of a hydrated ion depends on its charge density. Smaller cations with high charge attract more water molecules strongly, increasing effective hydrated radius.

Step 2: Analyze the given cations.
Ions: Li\(^+\), Na\(^+\), K\(^+\), Cs\(^+\). Although ionic size increases down the group, the hydrated radius behaves differently due to stronger solvation of small, highly charged cations.

Step 3: Explain effect of solvation.
Li\(^+\) has the smallest ionic radius, but it binds water molecules tightly, forming a large hydration shell. Consequently, the effective size of Li\(^+\) as a hydrated ion is the largest among the given ions.

Step 4: Compare other cations.
Na\(^+\), K\(^+\), Cs\(^+\) have larger bare ionic radii but weaker solvation. Their hydrated radii are smaller than Li\(^+\).

Step 5: Conclude hydrated size trend.
The hydrated radius order: \[ \text{Li\(^+\)} \gt \text{Na\(^+\)} \gt \text{K\(^+\)} \gt \text{Cs\(^+\)} \]

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, the hydrated ion with the largest size is: \[ \boxed{\text{Li\(^+\)}} \]
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