Question

Which of the following is true in regard to ions?

Answer 1

An ionized atom has a number of protons that is unequal to the number of electrons. - I took the Penn exam, 100% sure!

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is Option A.

Explanation:

There are 3 subatomic particles present in an atom. They are: protons, electrons and neutrons.

Protons carry positive charge, electrons carry negative charge and neutrons does not carry any charge.

Any neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons.  An ion is formed when atom looses or gain electron.

• If an atom gains electrons, it will have more number of electrons than protons. Thus, it will carry negative charge and form an anion.
• If an atom looses electrons, it will have less number of electrons than protons. Thus, it will carry positive charge and forms a cation.

Thus, an ionized atom will always have unequal number of protons and electrons.

Hence, the correct answer is Option A.