Ions Versus Atoms: Understanding Charge and Electron Count

This video tutorial explains the concept of ions, focusing on the differences between ions and atoms. It uses examples of aluminum and sulfur ions to illustrate how ions have different numbers of protons and electrons, resulting in a net charge. The tutorial also covers how to write atomic symbols for ions and provides practice problems to reinforce the concepts. Key topics include the calculation of net charge and the identification of elements using atomic numbers.

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

• Ions are always larger than atoms.

• Ions have a different number of protons compared to atoms.

• Ions have an electrical charge, while atoms are neutral.

• Ions have a different number of neutrons compared to atoms.

How do you calculate the number of electrons in an ion?

• Subtract the charge from the atomic number.

• Divide the atomic number by the charge.

• Add the atomic number and the charge.

• Multiply the atomic number by the charge.

Why is an atom electrically neutral?

• Because it has no protons.

• Because the number of protons equals the number of electrons.

• Because it has more electrons than protons.

• Because it has more protons than electrons.

In the example of sulfur, what is the net charge of the ion if it has 16 protons and 18 electrons?

• +1

• -1

• -2

• +2

What is the atomic number of sulfur?

• 17

• 16

• 15

• 14

How do you determine the atomic symbol of an ion?

• By using the atomic number and the charge.

• By using the number of neutrons only.

• By using the charge only.

• By using the mass number only.

What element has an atomic number of 15?

• Nitrogen

• Phosphorus

• Oxygen

• Sulfur

If an ion has 29 protons and 27 electrons, what is its net charge?

• +1

• -1

• -2

• +2

How many electrons does an ion with 32 protons and a net charge of +4 have?

• 28

• 36

• 30

• 32

What is the net charge of an ion with 26 protons and 23 electrons?

• -2

• +3

• -3

• +2