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Ch. 2 - The Chemical Context of Life
Chapter 2, Problem 4

Which statement is true of all atoms that are anions? a. The atom has more electrons than protons. b. The atom has more protons than electrons. c. The atom has fewer protons than does a neutral atom of the same element. d. The atom has more neutrons than protons.

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1
Understand the definition of an anion: An anion is a negatively charged ion, which means it has gained extra electrons.
Compare the number of electrons to protons in an anion: Since an anion is negatively charged due to extra electrons, it must have more electrons than protons.
Evaluate option a: 'The atom has more electrons than protons.' - This statement aligns with the definition and characteristics of an anion.
Review other options for accuracy: Options b, c, and d do not correctly describe all anions. Option b is incorrect as it describes a cation, not an anion. Option c is incorrect as it discusses changes in proton number, which does not occur during ion formation. Option d is incorrect as it relates to neutrons, which do not influence the charge of the atom.
Conclude that the correct answer is option a: 'The atom has more electrons than protons.' as it is the only statement that accurately describes all anions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Anions

Anions are negatively charged ions formed when an atom gains one or more electrons. This gain of electrons results in an excess of negatively charged particles compared to positively charged protons, leading to a net negative charge. Understanding the formation of anions is crucial for answering questions about atomic structure and charge.
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Atomic Structure

The atomic structure consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons, where protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus, and electrons orbit around it. The number of protons defines the element, while the balance between protons and electrons determines the atom's charge. This foundational knowledge is essential for distinguishing between neutral atoms and ions.
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Charge Balance

Charge balance refers to the relationship between protons and electrons in an atom. A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge. In contrast, anions have more electrons than protons, which is key to understanding the options presented in the question regarding the characteristics of anions.
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Related Practice
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Textbook Question

Which of the following statements correctly describes any chemical reaction that has reached equilibrium? (A)The concentrations of products and reactants are equal. (B)The reaction is now irreversible. (C)Both forward and reverse reactions have halted. (D)The rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal.

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Textbook Question

We can represent atoms by listing the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons—for example, 2p+,2n0,2e− for helium. Which of the following represents the 18O isotope of oxygen? a. 7p+,2n0,9e− b. 8p+,10n0,8e− c. 9p+,9n0,9e− d. 10p+,8n0,9e-

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