Which is larger a zinc atom or a zinc ion? explain
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An ion differs from an atom in that it has a net electrical charge, either positive or negative, due to the loss or gain of electrons.
An ion differs from an atom in that it has a net electrical charge. This charge is either positive or negative, resulting from the loss or gain of electrons by the atom. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and forms a cation. On the other hand, when an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and forms an anion.
For example, let's consider sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) atoms. Sodium has 11 protons and 11 electrons, making it neutral. However, when it loses an electron, it becomes a sodium ion (Na+), which now has 11 protons and 10 electrons, giving it a +1 charge. Chloride, on the other hand, has 17 protons and 17 electrons, making it neutral. But when it gains an electron, it becomes a chloride ion (Cl-), which now has 17 protons and 18 electrons, giving it a -1 charge.
So, while an atom is electrically neutral, an ion has a charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.
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