Distinguishing Atoms from Ions

The video explains the difference between atoms and ions, focusing on the role of electrons. It uses chlorine and nitrogen as examples to illustrate how atoms become ions by gaining or losing electrons, resulting in a charge. The video also covers how to identify ions and neutral atoms using periodic trends, the formation of ionic bonds, and the concepts of cations and anions. Additionally, it introduces polyatomic ions, which are groups of atoms with an overall charge.

What determines whether a particle is an atom or an ion?

• The number of electrons

• The number of protons

• The atomic mass

• The number of neutrons

Why is chlorine considered neutral on the periodic table?

• It has no neutrons

• It has an equal number of protons and electrons

• It has more protons than electrons

• It has more electrons than protons

What happens to nitrogen when it gains three electrons?

• It becomes a polyatomic ion

• It becomes an anion

• It becomes a cation

• It becomes a neutral atom

What is the charge of a nitrogen ion with three extra electrons?

• 3-

• 3+

• 1-

• 1+

Which group on the periodic table tends to form 2- ions?

• Group 1

• Group 2

• Group 17

• Group 16

What charge does sodium typically have when it forms an ion?

• 2+

• 1-

• 1+

• 2-

How do sodium and chlorine form an ionic bond?

• By transferring electrons

• By gaining neutrons

• By losing protons

• By sharing electrons

What is a cation?

• A polyatomic ion

• A negatively charged ion

• A positively charged ion

• A neutral atom

How can you remember that an anion is negatively charged?

• It has a 't' like a plus sign

• It has more protons

• It has a 'negative' in its name

• It has fewer neutrons

What are polyatomic ions?

• Neutral groups of atoms

• Atoms with no electrons

• Single atoms with a charge

• Groups of atoms with a charge