Multiple Choice
How many electrons are present in a Rb^+ ion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
The net charge on an atom of a given element changes as ______ are added or removed.
A
electrons
B
nucleons
C
neutrons
D
protons
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the net charge of an atom depends on the balance between positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.
Recall that protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral (no charge).
Recognize that adding or removing protons changes the element itself, not just the charge, so this is not typically how net charge changes are described.
Note that adding or removing neutrons changes the isotope of the element but does not affect the net charge because neutrons are neutral.
Conclude that the net charge on an atom changes when electrons are added or removed, since electrons carry a negative charge and directly affect the overall charge.
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