Neutral Atoms, Ions, and Isotopes

Front

What is a neutral atom?

Back

A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge.

Front

What happens when an atom has more protons than electrons?

Back

It becomes a positive ion.

Front

What is an ion?

Back

An ion is an atom that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net charge.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

An isotope is a variant of an atom that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Front

Can an atom of Helium have 3 neutrons?

Back

Yes, because it can be an isotope.

Front

What is the charge of a negative ion?

Back

A negative ion has more electrons than protons, resulting in a net negative charge.

Front

What defines the identity of an element?

Back

The number of protons in the nucleus defines the identity of an element.

Front

If an atom has an extra neutron, what is it called?

Back

It is called an isotope.

Front

What is the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.