Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition

Brown15th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780137542970Not the one you use?Change textbook

Brown 15th Edition

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Problem 4a

Chapter 2, Problem 4a

Does the following drawing represent a neutral atom or an ion?

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Identify the number of protons in the nucleus. In this case, there are 8 protons.

Identify the number of electrons surrounding the nucleus. In this case, there are 10 electrons.

Compare the number of protons and electrons. A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons.

Since there are more electrons (10) than protons (8), the atom has a net negative charge.

Conclude that the atom is an ion, specifically an anion, because it has more electrons than protons.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Atomic Structure

An atom consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in defined energy levels. Protons are positively charged, neutrons are neutral, and electrons are negatively charged. The number of protons determines the element, while the arrangement of electrons influences chemical behavior.

Neutral Atoms vs. Ions

A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge. An ion, however, is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons, leading to a net positive or negative charge. In the provided diagram, the presence of 10 electrons and 8 protons indicates that the atom is negatively charged, thus making it an ion.

Charge Calculation

The charge of an atom can be calculated by subtracting the number of electrons from the number of protons. If the result is zero, the atom is neutral; if positive, it is a cation (loss of electrons); if negative, it is an anion (gain of electrons). In this case, with 10 electrons and 8 protons, the charge is -2, confirming it is an anion.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

The following diagram is a representation of 20 atoms of a fictitious element, which we will call nevadium (Nv). The red spheres are ²⁹³Nv, and the blue spheres are ²⁹⁵Nv. (a) Assuming that this sample is a statistically representative sample of the element, calculate the percent abundance of each element.

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Textbook Question

Five of the boxes in the following periodic table are colored. Predict the charge on the ion associated with each of these elements.

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Textbook Question

The following diagram is a representation of 20 atoms of a fictitious element, which we will call nevadium (Nv). The red spheres are ²⁹³Nv, and the blue spheres are ²⁹⁵Nv. (b) If the mass of ²⁹³Nv is 293.15 u and that of ²⁹⁵Nv is 295.15 u, what is the atomic weight of Nv?

Four of the boxes in the following periodic table are colored. Which of these are metals and which are nonmetals?

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Textbook Question

The following diagram represents an ionic compound in which the red spheres represent cations and the blue spheres represent anions. Which of the following compounds is consistent with the drawing?

a. potassium bromide

b. potassium sulfate

c. calcium nitrate

d. iron(III) sulfate

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