Question

The ionic radius is always _______ then atomic radius from which it is formed

• A. A higher
• B. B Larger
• C. C Moderate
• D. D Smaller

Answer 1

The question is flawed as no single option universally completes the statement with "always". The ionic radius can be smaller (for cations) or larger (for anions) than the atomic radius.

Answer 2

Ionic radius can be smaller or larger than atomic radius depending on ion type.

Cations are smaller than parent atoms due to loss of electrons and increased effective nuclear charge.

Anions are larger than parent atoms due to gain of electrons and increased electron-electron repulsion.

Since it's not "always" smaller or "always" larger, the question is flawed. However, if a single choice must be made, the question is unanswerable with universal validity from the given options.