How is an ion different from a neutral atom?

• A. An ion differs from a neutral atom because it has changed the number of protons in its nucleus, while a neutral atom has not.
• B. An ion has a net electrical charge because it has gained or lost one or more electrons, while a neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and electrons.
• C. An ion is always formed by gaining neutrons, while a neutral atom has no neutrons.
• D. An ion always has more protons than electrons, while a neutral atom always has more electrons than protons.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that a neutral atom has an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged), resulting in no overall electrical charge.
2. Understand that an ion is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons, which changes the balance between positive and negative charges.
3. Recognize that the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom does not change when it becomes an ion; only the number of electrons changes.
4. Therefore, an ion has a net electrical charge: it is positive if electrons are lost (cation) and negative if electrons are gained (anion).
5. Summarize that the key difference is that ions have unequal numbers of protons and electrons, giving them a charge, while neutral atoms have equal numbers, resulting in no charge.