Multiple Choice
Which of the following ions has the same electron configuration as a noble gas?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following correctly describes how a lithium cation (Li^+) compares to a neutral lithium atom (Li)?
A
Li^+ has the same number of electrons as Li.
B
Li^+ has a larger atomic radius than Li.
C
Li^+ has fewer electrons than Li.
D
Li^+ has more protons than Li.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the composition of a neutral lithium atom (Li). A neutral lithium atom has 3 protons and 3 electrons, since the number of protons equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom.
Step 2: Analyze the lithium cation (Li^+). The superscript '+' indicates that the lithium atom has lost one electron, so Li^+ has 3 protons but only 2 electrons.
Step 3: Compare the number of electrons between Li and Li^+. Since Li^+ has lost one electron, it has fewer electrons than the neutral Li atom.
Step 4: Consider the atomic radius. Losing an electron reduces electron-electron repulsion and allows the remaining electrons to be pulled closer to the nucleus, so Li^+ has a smaller atomic radius than Li, not larger.
Step 5: Compare the number of protons. Both Li and Li^+ have the same number of protons (3), because the proton number defines the element and does not change when electrons are lost or gained.
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