Ions & Charges

What is an ion?

An atom that has gained or lost electrons and has a charge.

What happens when an atom loses electrons?

It becomes positively charged.

What happens when an atom gains electrons?

It becomes negatively charged.

Why does losing electrons make an atom positive?

Electrons are negative, so losing them leaves more positive charge.

Why does gaining electrons make an atom negative?

The atom gains extra negative charge.

What is the formula for finding charge?

Charge = protons − electrons.

When is an atom neutral?

When the number of protons equals the number of electrons.

If an atom has more protons than electrons, what is its charge?

Positive.

If an atom has more electrons than protons, what is its charge?

Negative.

An atom has 11 protons and 10 electrons. What is its charge?

+1

An atom has 10 protons and 12 electrons. What is its charge?

-2

An atom has 17 protons and 18 electrons. What is its charge?

-1

An atom has 12 protons and 10 electrons. What is its charge?

+2

An atom has 15 protons and 15 electrons. What is its charge?

0 (neutral)

An atom has 15 protons and 13 electrons. What is its charge?

+2

An atom has 15 protons and 17 electrons. What is its charge?

-2

If an atom loses 2 electrons, what charge does it get?

+2

If an atom gains 2 electrons, what charge does it get?

-2

If an atom loses 3 electrons, what charge does it get?

+3

If an atom gains 3 electrons, what charge does it get?

-3