Atoms vs. Ions Notes

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best describes an atom?

• An atomic particle with equal number of protons and electrons, and is neutral in charge.

• An atomic particle with more protons than electrons, and has a charge.

• An atomic particle with more electrons than protons, and has a charge.

• An atomic particle with no protons or electrons.

Multiple Choice

What is the main difference in the impact of lithium and fluorine atoms versus their ions on the human body?

• Lithium and fluorine atoms are both essential micronutrients.

• Lithium ion helps treat bipolar disorder, while fluorine ion prevents cavities.

• Lithium atom helps treat bipolar disorder, while fluorine atom prevents cavities.

• Both lithium and fluorine ions are useless to the human body.

Multiple Choice

According to the octet rule, what do atoms do to achieve energetic stability?

• Gain or lose protons to achieve a full valence shell.

• Gain or lose electrons to achieve a full valence shell.

• Gain or lose neutrons to achieve a full valence shell.

• Share protons to achieve a full valence shell.

Open Ended

Explain how the octet rule influences the formation of ions from atoms.

Multiple Select

Which statements correctly describe how metals and nonmetals form ions?

• Metals lose electrons to form cations.

• Nonmetals gain electrons to form anions.

• Metals gain electrons to form anions.

• Nonmetals lose electrons to form cations.

Fill in the Blanks

A cation is an ion with a

charge.

Open Ended

Describe the process by which a sodium atom becomes a sodium ion, including changes in electron configuration.

Open Ended

Explain how the number of protons and electrons changes when a chlorine atom becomes a chloride ion. What is the resulting charge and why?

Fill in the Blanks

When an atom gains electrons, it forms an

Multiple Choice

Which group on the periodic table typically forms ions with a -1 charge, and what process leads to this charge?

• Halogens, by gaining 1 electron

• Alkali metals, by losing 1 electron

• Oxygen group, by gaining 2 electrons

• Aluminum group, by losing 3 electrons

Multiple Choice

What is the main difference between an atom and an ion?

• Atoms have equal numbers of protons and electrons, while ions do not.

• Atoms have a charge, while ions are neutral.

• Atoms contain only protons, while ions contain only electrons.

• Atoms are always larger than ions.