Question

Which of the following best describes the definition of an ion?

A. An atom with a neutral charge
B. An element that has an unequal number of protons and neutrons
C. An element that has unequal number of protons and electrons
D. An element that has unequal number of electrons and neutrons

Answer 1

C. An element that has an unequal number of protons and electrons

Step-by-step explanation:

An element has an equal number of protons and electrons, because the positive and negative energy has to cancel out so the atom is neutral. Ions are versions of atoms that lose electrons so they have a different energy than the initial atom, but they're still that atom because the number of protons determines the identity of the atom, and that number doesn't change.

Answer 2

A

Step-by-step explanation:

An ion is a particle, atom or molecule with a net electrical charge.