Compare the numbers of protons and electrons in a positive ion with the numbers of protons and electrons in a negative ion.

Question

Physics

Slade Kent

1 December, 13:41

Compare the numbers of protons and electrons in a positive ion with the numbers of protons and electrons in a negative ion.

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Answers (1)

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Lawson · Answer 1

In a positive ion, the number of protons is larger than the number of electrons.

In a negative ion, the number of protons is smaller than the number of electrons.

Explanation:

Each proton carries a positive charge of one unit.

Each elec in tron carries a negative charge of one unit.

In an atom, there are as many protons as electrons. Hence, they are neutral.

However, in a positive ion, there are less negative charge than positive charge. Hence the net charge is positive. That also means that there are fewer negatively-charged electrons than positively-charged protons.

Similarly, in a negative ion, there are more negative charge than positive charge. Hence the net charge is negative. That also means that there are more negatively-charged electrons than positively-charged protons.