Multiple Choice
In the context of ions, how does an atom become an ion?
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4. Atoms and Elements
Ions (Simplified)
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Which relationship is true of an uncharged (neutral) atom?
A
The number of protons equals the number of electrons.
B
The number of protons equals the number of neutrons.
C
The number of neutrons equals the number of electrons.
D
The number of electrons is greater than the number of protons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that an atom is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral.
Understand that an uncharged (neutral) atom means the total positive charge equals the total negative charge, so the overall charge is zero.
Since protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged, for the atom to be neutral, the number of protons must be equal to the number of electrons.
Note that neutrons have no charge, so their number does not affect the overall charge balance of the atom.
Therefore, the true relationship for a neutral atom is: the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
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