Multiple Choice
When water ionizes, which ions are produced?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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When an atom gains electrons to become a negative ion (anion), how does its size change compared to the neutral atom?
A
The size increases because added electrons cause greater electron-electron repulsion.
B
The size remains the same because the number of protons does not change.
C
The size decreases because electrons are lost.
D
The size decreases because the nucleus pulls the electrons closer.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that when an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion called an anion.
Recall that the size of an atom or ion is influenced by the balance between the attractive force of the nucleus (protons) and the repulsive forces among electrons.
Recognize that adding electrons increases electron-electron repulsion within the electron cloud, which tends to push electrons farther apart.
Note that the number of protons in the nucleus remains the same, so the nuclear charge attracting the electrons does not increase to counterbalance the added repulsion.
Conclude that because of the increased repulsion without an increase in nuclear attraction, the electron cloud expands, causing the size of the anion to increase compared to the neutral atom.
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