How is an ion different from its parent atom

Question

Physics

Araceli Shea

13 May, 21:08

How is an ion different from its parent atom

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Answers (1)

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Elisabeth Martin · Answer 1

The ion is electrically charged, while the atom is neutral

Explanation:

An atom contains the same number of protons (positive charge + e) and electrons (negative charge - e)

An ion is an atom from which one or more electrons have been added/removed. In particular, we have:

- A positive ion is an atom from which one (or more) electron has been removed. This ion has a positive electrical charge, since we have removed electrons, which have negative charge

- A negative ion is an atom from which one (or more) electron has been added. This ion has a negative electrical charge, since we have add electrons, which have negative charge

So, the main difference between an ion and its parent atom is that the former is electrically charged, while the latter is electrically neutral.