Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Atomic Structure
Atomic structure refers to the composition of an atom, which consists of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, surrounded by electrons in orbitals. The number of protons defines the element, while neutrons contribute to the atomic mass. Electrons, which are negatively charged, balance the positive charge of protons in a neutral atom.
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Isotopes
Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count results in varying atomic masses. For example, ¹⁰B has 5 protons and 5 neutrons, while ¹³N has 7 protons and 6 neutrons, illustrating how isotopes can affect atomic properties.
Ions
Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. Cations are positively charged ions formed by losing electrons, while anions are negatively charged ions formed by gaining electrons. For instance, ¹³N⁺ indicates a nitrogen atom that has lost one electron, affecting its overall charge and electron count.