Multiple Choice
Why does sodium readily lose an electron while chlorine readily gains one during the formation of sodium chloride?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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If an atom has a charge of +1, which of the following best describes what has happened to the atom?
A
It has gained one electron.
B
It has lost one proton.
C
It has lost one electron.
D
It has gained one neutron.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the charge of an atom is determined by the balance between the number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged).
Recall that protons are located in the nucleus and generally do not change in number during ion formation, so the number of protons remains constant.
Recognize that electrons can be gained or lost, which changes the overall charge of the atom.
If an atom has a charge of +1, it means there is one more proton than electrons, indicating the atom has lost one electron.
Therefore, the best description is that the atom has lost one electron, resulting in a net positive charge of +1.
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