4. Electrons & Ions

You have learned that an element with a different number of neutrons results in isotopes. Let's see what happens when the number of electrons changes.

EXPLAIN:

Since protons and electrons are oppositely charged they are greatly attracted to each other.

RECALL:

The charge of the subatomic particles:

• proton is +1

• electron is -1

• neutrons are neutral

The number of electrons and protons determines the charge of the atom. Neutrons don't get involved because they are neutral.

EXPLORE:

Watch the following video to learn how to calculate the charge of an atom.

Number of protons = Number of electrons = Charge is Zero

DEFINE:

When an atom has an unequal amount of protons and neutrons it is called an ion. It can either be positively or negatively charged.

REPRESENT:

Pick an element. Determine the number of protons and electrons it has if it's neutral. In your portfolio, represent how the charges cancel out each other. You can draw, write or even create an audio file, the choice is yours!