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Chapter 5: Problem 8

Explain why the properties of an ion differ from its parent atom.

Short Answer

Expert verified
An ion's properties differ from its parent atom mainly due to the gain or loss of electrons, which results in a net charge. This net charge alters the ion's physical (size, melting and boiling points) and chemical (reactivity, ion formation) properties compared to the uncharged parent atom.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Structure of an Atom

The structure of an atom consists of a nucleus, where protons and neutrons reside and electrons revolving around it in different orbits called energy levels. The properties of an atom depend on the number and arrangement of these electrons.
02

Understand the Formation of an Ion

An ion is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons. When an atom loses or gains an electron, it destabilizes the balanced state of an atom, leading to the formation of an ion which has a net positive or negative charge.
03

Distinguish the Properties of an Ion and its Parent Atom

It is crucial to note that atoms are neutral entities with no charge as the number of protons equals the number of electrons. In contrast, ions have either a positive or negative charge. For instance, when an atom loses an electron, it forms a positively charged ion, or a cation, whereas when it gains an electron, a negatively charged ion, or an anion, is formed.
04

Discuss Influence on Physical and Chemical Properties

Ionic charges markedly influence the physical and chemical properties of ions compared to their parent atoms. For instance, ions often experience enhanced reactivity, difference in size i.e., cations are typically smaller and anions bigger than their parent atoms, and altered melting and boiling points due to interionic bonds. Additionally, ions often exist in crystal lattices, contributing to some unique properties like high melting points and ability to conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Name the following polyatomic ions. \begin{equation} \begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. } \mathrm{O}_{2}^{2-}} & {\text { c. } \mathrm{NH}_{4}^{+}} \\ {\text { b. } \mathrm{CrO}_{4}^{2-}} & {\text { d. } \mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}}\end{array} \end{equation}

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}

Graphing Calculator Calculating the Number of Valence Electrons The graphing calculator can run a program that can determine the number of valence electrons in an atom, given its atomic number. Go to Appendix C. If you are using a TI-83 Plus, you can download the program VALENCE and run the application as directed. If you are using another calculator, your teacher will provide you with keystrokes to use. After you have run the program, answer these questions. How many valence electrons are there in the following atoms? \begin{equation} \begin{array}{l}{\text { a. Rutherfordium, Rf, atomic number } 104} \\ {\text { b. Gold, Au, atomic number } 79} \\ {\text { c. Molybdenum, Mo, atomic number } 42} \\ {\text { d. Indium, In, atomic number } 49}\end{array} \end{equation}

How does the octet rule help predict the chemical reactivity of an element?

How is an ion different from its parent atom?
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