How to Determine the Number of Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons in an Atom

How can we determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom?

What does an atom become if it gains or loses electrons?
A.) isotope
B) ion
C.) an atom
D.) an element

Answer:

The correct answer is B) ion.

When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. An ion is an atom or molecule that has a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. This process can occur through various chemical reactions, leading to the formation of ions with either a positive or negative charge.

By determining the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom, we can understand its overall composition and how it interacts with other atoms in chemical reactions. The number of protons in an atom defines its atomic number, while the sum of protons and neutrons gives us the atomic mass.

Protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a negative charge. The number of protons in an atom determines its element, while the electrons are involved in the formation of chemical bonds.

Overall, understanding the structure of an atom and how it changes when gaining or losing electrons is crucial in the study of chemistry and the behavior of matter at the atomic level.