Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Anions
Anions are negatively charged ions formed when an atom gains one or more electrons. This gain of electrons results in an excess of negative charge compared to the number of protons, which are positively charged. Understanding the formation of anions is crucial for answering questions about atomic charge and electron configuration.
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Protons and Electrons
Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom, while electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. The balance between protons and electrons determines the overall charge of an atom. In the case of anions, there are more electrons than protons, leading to a net negative charge.
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Neutral Atoms
A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge. When comparing anions to neutral atoms of the same element, anions will always have more electrons than protons, which is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from neutral atoms. This concept is essential for understanding the nature of ionic charges.
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