Question

An iron atom (Fe) has 26 protons in it. If the atom has 20 electrons in it, explain what type of charge it has and how you can tell.

Answer 1

Answer:

The iron atom has a positive charge, making it a cation.

Explanation:

The atom has a nucleus, where the protons and neutrons, which are the subatomic particles with the highest mass, are located. Practically all the mass of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus.Protons have a positive electrical charge, while neutrons have no charge.

Electrons move around the nucleus with other negatively charged particles.

An iron atom (Fe) has 26 protons and 20 electrons in it.  That is, there are 6 more protons than electrons. As mentioned, protons are positively charged. So the iron atom has a positive charge, making it a cation.