Which statement best compares an atom to an ion?
A.An ion is an atom that has lost its charge.
B.An ion is an atom that has gained or lost protons.
C.An ion is an atom that has gained or lost electrons.
D.An ion is an atom that has a different number of neutrons.
thx bro
The correct statement that best compares an atom to an ion is C. An ion is an atom that has gained or lost electrons.
To understand why this statement is the most accurate, it helps to have some background knowledge about atoms and ions. An atom is the basic unit of matter and consists of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons. Atoms are electrically neutral, meaning they have an equal number of protons (positively charged particles) and electrons (negatively charged particles), canceling out each other's charge.
On the other hand, an ion is an atom or a group of atoms that have a net electrical charge due to the gain or loss of electrons. When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged, and when it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged.
Option C correctly states that an ion is an atom that has gained or lost electrons, which leads to a change in its overall charge. This change in charge is what distinguishes an ion from a regular neutral atom.