QUESTION IMAGE
Question
which describes an atom that has fewer neutrons than protons and more electrons than protons?
negative compound
positive compound
positive ion
negative ion
Brief Explanations
- A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond together. The question is about an atom, not a compound. So, options "negative compound" and "positive compound" can be eliminated.
- An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
- A positive ion (cation) is formed when an atom loses electrons (so it has more protons than electrons).
- A negative ion (anion) is formed when an atom gains electrons (so it has more electrons than protons). The number of neutrons compared to protons does not determine if it is a positive or negative ion. The key is the number of electrons relative to protons. Since the atom has more electrons than protons, it is a negative ion.
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negative ion