What are ions? a. atoms with equal numbers of protons and electrons b. electrically charged atoms c. neutral atoms d. small molecules with covalent bonds

Question

Chemistry

Johan Strickland

26 March, 17:22

What are ions? a. atoms with equal numbers of protons and electrons b. electrically charged atoms c. neutral atoms d. small molecules with covalent bonds

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Answers (1)

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Eden Bullock · Answer 1

b. electrically charged atoms

Explanation:

The charge of the protons is equal in magnitude to the charge of the electron but of the opposite sign. When an atom has the same number of protons and electrons it is called neutral, this means that its charge is neutral (the charge of an atom is the sum of the charge of all electrons and protons). Ions form when a neutral atom gains or loses an electron, and now it has a charge, which is positive if the atom loses an electron or negative if the atom gains electrons.