What term describes atoms that have lost or gained electrons?

What term describes atoms that have lost or gained electrons?

• A. Ion
• B. Isotope
• C. Molecule
• D. Compound

Answer: (A)

When atoms lose or gain electrons, they become charged particles called ions. This change in the number of electrons alters the atom’s overall charge, creating either a positive ion (if electrons are lost) or a negative ion (if electrons are gained). This concept is different from isotopes, which are versions of the same element with different numbers of neutrons and thus different masses but the same charge; from molecules, which are groups of atoms bonded together; and from compounds, which are substances formed from two or more elements. A familiar example is sodium losing an electron to form Na+ and chlorine gaining one to form Cl–, which helps them combine into salt. Therefore, the term for atoms that have lost or gained electrons is ion.

When atoms lose or gain electrons, they become charged particles called ions. This change in the number of electrons alters the atom’s overall charge, creating either a positive ion (if electrons are lost) or a negative ion (if electrons are gained). This concept is different from isotopes, which are versions of the same element with different numbers of neutrons and thus different masses but the same charge; from molecules, which are groups of atoms bonded together; and from compounds, which are substances formed from two or more elements. A familiar example is sodium losing an electron to form Na+ and chlorine gaining one to form Cl–, which helps them combine into salt. Therefore, the term for atoms that have lost or gained electrons is ion.