Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes an atom with a negative net charge?
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following is an ion?
A
SO_2
B
O_2
C
Cu
D
PO_4^{3-}
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand what an ion is: an ion is an atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Look at each species given: SO_2 (sulfur dioxide) is a neutral molecule, O_2 (oxygen) is a neutral diatomic molecule, and Cu (copper) is a neutral metal atom.
Recognize that PO_4^{3-} (phosphate ion) carries a charge of -3, indicating it has gained electrons and is therefore an ion.
Recall that ions are often represented with their charge as a superscript, such as ^{3-} for a 3- charge, which distinguishes them from neutral molecules or atoms.
Conclude that among the options, only PO_4^{3-} is an ion because it has a net negative charge, while the others are neutral species.
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