Multiple Choice
Which element forms an ion with an electron configuration of [Kr] and a 2− charge?
1
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which process leads an atom to become a positive or a negative ion?
A
By gaining or losing electrons
B
By changing its number of neutrons
C
By undergoing radioactive decay
D
By gaining or losing protons
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrical charge due to an imbalance between the number of protons and electrons.
Recall that protons carry a positive charge and are located in the nucleus, while electrons carry a negative charge and orbit the nucleus.
Recognize that gaining electrons adds negative charge, making the atom a negative ion (anion), while losing electrons removes negative charge, making the atom a positive ion (cation).
Note that changing the number of neutrons affects the isotope of the atom but does not change its charge, so it does not create ions.
Understand that changing the number of protons changes the element itself, not just its charge, and radioactive decay involves nuclear changes rather than electron transfer.
Related Videos
Related Practice
