Lecture Notes on Ions

Flashcards about ions, elements, protons, and electrons.

What is an element?

A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

How many protons does an atom of carbon have?

An atom of carbon has six protons.

How do you get an ion?

When an atom has an unequal amount of protons and electrons.

What defines which element you're dealing with?

Protons define what element you're dealing with.

If an atom has five protons and six electrons, what element is it?

Boron

How many protons does an atom of platinum have?

An atom of platinum has 78 protons.

What is the charge of a platinum atom with 78 protons and 74 electrons?

Platinum with a +4 charge.

What is a cation?

A positive ion.

What is an anion?

A negative ion.

What is equal to the mass number of an atom?

Protons plus neutrons.

When is an atom neutral?

When an atom has the same number of electrons and protons.

When is an atom called an ion?

When an atom becomes non-neutral, with either more electrons or more protons.