Question

Compare the structure of a lithium atom to the structure of a lithium ion

Answer 1

A lithium atom has 3 protons and 3 electrons. It can lose one of its electrons, making it an ion. It now has more positive protons than electrons so it has an overall positive charge. Therefore it is a positive ion.

Answer 2

If an atom gains or loses an electron, it bacomes an ion. ... A lithium atom has 3 protons and 3 electrons. It can lose one of its electrons, making it an ion. It now has more positive protons than electrons so it has an overall positive charge.

Step-by-step explanation: