Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 5: Problem 1

How is an ion different from its parent atom?

Short Answer

Expert verified
An ion differs from its parent atom by its net charge due to the loss or gain of electrons. If it has more electrons than protons, it will be a negatively charged ion (anion), and if it has fewer electrons than protons, it will be a positively charged ion (cation).

Step by step solution

01

Understand Basic Atomic Structure

Atoms are made of protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge and electrons have a negative charge. The protons and neutrons form the nucleus of the atom, and the electrons orbit around the nucleus.
02

Define An Atom

An atom is the building block of matter. It is neutral, which means it has an equal number of protons and electrons. Due to this balance of positive and negative charges, an atom has no overall charge.
03

Define An Ion

An ion is an atom that has either lost or gained electrons, therefore it has a net charge. An Ion that has gained electrons has more negatively charged electrons than positively charged protons and is thus negatively charged. This is known as an anion. An Ion that has lost electrons has more positively charged protons than negatively charged electrons and is thereby positively charged. This is called a cation.
04

Compare Atom and Ion

The primary difference between an atom and an ion is their respective charges. An atom is neutral, meaning it has an equal number of protons and electrons. An ion, on the other hand, is an atom that has either lost or gained electrons and therefore bears a net charge, either positive for cations or negative for anions.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Write formulas for the following polyatomic ions. \begin{equation} \begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. cyanide }} & {\text { c. nitrite }} \\ {\text { b. sulfate }} & {\text { d. permanganate }}\end{array} \end{equation}

Why are there no rules for naming Group 18 ions?

Why do most ionic compounds have such high melting and boiling points?

What does a nonmetal element need to do to form an anion?

Complete the table below, and then use it to answer the questions that follow. \begin{equation} \begin{array}{l}{\text { Write the formula for the following }} \\ {\text { substances: }} \\ {\text { a. manganese chloride }} \\ {\text { b. chromium(III) fluoride }} \\ {\text { c. barium oxide }}\end{array} \end{equation}
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free