5. explain the relationship between the relative sizeof an ion to its neutral atom and the
charge on the ions.

The Relative Size of Atoms and Their Ions

In fact, the negative ion can be more than twice as large as the neutral atom. The only difference between an atom and its ions is the number of electrons that surround the nucleus. Example: A neutral chlorine atom contains 17 electrons, while a Cl- ion contains 18 electrons.

we can conclude that the melting point of table salt is above room temperature (it's actually 801 deg c). the melting point of mercury must be below room temperature (- 39 deg c).