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.

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?

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.