What is the term for an atom that has lost or gained electrons?

• A. Neutral atom
• B. Isotope
• C. Ion
• D. Molecule

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral.
2. Recognize that a neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, so their charges balance out.
3. When an atom loses or gains electrons, the balance between positive and negative charges is disrupted, resulting in a charged particle.
4. A charged atom or group of atoms is called an ion. If it loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion (cation). If it gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion (anion).
5. Differentiate ions from isotopes, which are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, and from molecules, which are combinations of atoms bonded together.