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Multiple Choice
Before an atom becomes an ion, what is its overall electric charge?
A
Negative
B
Zero (neutral)
C
It depends on the element
D
Positive
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that an atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positive charges) is equal to the number of electrons (negative charges).
Because the positive and negative charges balance each other out, the overall electric charge of a neutral atom is zero.
When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion with a net negative or positive charge, respectively.
Therefore, before an atom becomes an ion, its overall electric charge is zero (neutral).