Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

2. Atoms & Elements

Ions

General Chemistry

2. Atoms & Elements

Ions

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Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes the difference between an atom and an ion?

An atom is larger than an ion because it has more neutrons.

An atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, while an ion has a different number of electrons than protons.

An atom contains only neutrons, while an ion contains only protons.

An atom always carries a positive charge, while an ion is always neutral.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the basic definitions of atoms and ions. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Step 2: Recognize that an ion is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge because the number of electrons no longer equals the number of protons.

Step 3: Recall that protons determine the positive charge, electrons determine the negative charge, and neutrons are neutral; the number of neutrons does not affect the charge of the atom or ion.

Step 4: Analyze the statements given: the correct description must reflect that atoms have equal numbers of protons and electrons (neutral charge), while ions have unequal numbers of electrons and protons (charged species).

Step 5: Conclude that the best statement is: 'An atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, while an ion has a different number of electrons than protons,' because this accurately describes the fundamental difference in charge between atoms and ions.