Understanding Ions and Isotopes

What is the key difference between isotopes of the same element?

• They have a different number of protons.

• They have a different number of electrons.

• They have a different number of neutrons.

• They have different atomic numbers.

Which subatomic particle determines an atom's atomic number?

• Electrons

• Neutrons

• Protons

• Both protons and neutrons

How many neutrons are present in an atom of Sodium-23 (²³₁₁Na)?

• 11

• 12

• 23

• 34

An atom of Carbon-14 (¹⁴₆C) contains how many neutrons?

• 6

• 7

• 8

• 14

What is the overall electrical charge of a neutral atom?

• Positive

• Negative

• Zero

• It varies depending on the element

What is an ion?

• An atom with a different number of neutrons.

• An atom with a positive or negative charge.

• An atom that has gained a proton.

• An atom that has lost a proton.

What is a cation?

• An atom that has gained electrons, resulting in a negative charge.

• An atom that has lost electrons, resulting in a positive charge.

• An atom with an equal number of protons and electrons.

• An atom with a different number of neutrons.

If a neutral magnesium atom (12 protons, 12 electrons) loses two electrons, what will its resulting charge be?

• +1

• -1

• +2

• -2

What is an anion?

• An atom that has lost electrons, resulting in a positive charge.

• An atom with a positive charge.

• An atom that has gained electrons, resulting in a negative charge.

• An atom with a different number of protons.

Which subatomic particle's number never changes when an ion is formed from a neutral atom?

• Electrons

• Neutrons

• Protons

• Both electrons and neutrons