The elements P , S , K , and Ca form stable ions to achieve the nearest noble gas configuration. Identify the smallest and the largest ions formed among them, respectively.

Step-by-step solution

The elements P , S , K , and Ca form the stable ions P³⁻ , S²⁻ , K⁺ , and Ca²⁺ respectively to achieve the nearest noble gas configuration of Argon ( 18 electrons). These ions are isoelectronic species, meaning they have the same number of electrons but different nuclear charges. For isoelectronic species, the ionic radius is inversely proportional to the effective nuclear charge (or atomic number Z ). As the nuclear charge increases, the electrons are pulled more strongly towards the nucleus, resulting in a smalle