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Explain why a hydrogen atom can become either an ion or a part of molecule?

User Derek Chow
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If it loses that 1 electron (0 electrons, 1 proton, 1 neutron) it become an ion that is positively charge because it has more protons than electrons. [Ignore the neutrons]

If it gains an electron (2 electrons, 1 proton, 1 neutron) it becomes an ion that is negatively charge because it has more electrons than protons

A molecule - when 2 or more "different" elements combine or when 2 or more of the "same" elements combine

1 proton 1 electron <----- that is considered to be neutral

3 protons, 3 electrons <----- neutral

5 protons 5 electrons <----- neutral

6 protons, 5 electrons <-- positive ion [more protons than electrons]

5 protons, 8 electrons <--- negative ion [more electrons than protons]
User Carlo Medas
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