If electrons are stripped from an atom, the atom becomes
A a positive ion
B a negative ion
C a different element
D highly reactive with other nearby atoms
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. a positive ion.
When electrons are stripped from an atom, it loses negatively charged particles. This results in the atom having more protons (positively charged particles) than electrons. The imbalance between protons and electrons gives the atom a net positive charge, making it a positive ion or cation. This occurs because an ion is defined as an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, thus acquiring a charge.
Atoms generally strive to achieve a stable electron configuration, similar to that of noble gases. This stability can be achieved by gaining or losing electrons. When an atom loses electrons, it does so to reach a more stable, lower-energy state. For example, in metals, which typically have fewer electrons in their outermost shells, it is easier to lose electrons and form positive ions.
This process is commonly observed in chemical reactions, especially in ionic bonding. For instance, in the case of sodium (Na), when it loses one electron, it becomes a Na+ ion. Similarly, magnesium (Mg) can lose two electrons to form a Mg2+ ion. In both cases, the loss of electrons leads to a positively charged ion.
While B. a negative ion is formed when electrons are gained by an atom, this is the opposite of what happens when electrons are stripped away. C. a different element is not correct since the element remains the same; only its charge changes. D. highly reactive with other nearby atoms could be true, but it is not the direct result of losing electrons. It is a consequence of the atom’s new charge, which makes it more likely to react with other atoms to regain stability.