Multiple Choice
When forming a monatomic ion from a neutral atom, how many electrons can be removed at one time in a single ionization step?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following best explains why the chloride ion has a -1 charge?
A
It has gained one electron compared to a neutral chlorine atom.
B
It has lost one proton compared to a neutral chlorine atom.
C
It has lost one electron compared to a neutral chlorine atom.
D
It has gained one proton compared to a neutral chlorine atom.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons (positive charges) and electrons (negative charges).
Understand that a neutral chlorine atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no net charge.
Recognize that gaining an electron adds a negative charge, while losing an electron removes a negative charge.
Since the chloride ion has a -1 charge, it must have one more electron than the neutral chlorine atom, because electrons carry a negative charge.
Therefore, the chloride ion's -1 charge is best explained by it having gained one electron compared to a neutral chlorine atom.
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