High School Chemistry : Help with Isotopes and Ions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Elements And Compounds

What is the difference between chlorine-35 and chlorine-37?

Possible Answers:

Chlorine-37 has more neutrons

Chlorine-37 has more electrons

They are identical. They are just different different atoms in the same sample

Chlorine-37 has a smaller atomic mass

Chlorine-37 has more protons

Correct answer:

Chlorine-37 has more neutrons

Explanation:

Chlorine-35 and chlorine-37 are isotopes of each other. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different masses due to different numbers of neutrons.

Example Question #42 : Elements And Compounds

An atom of iron has two electrons removed. Write out the ion in the form of  where X is the atomic symbol and m is the charge. Identify this ion as either a cation, anion or neutral.

Possible Answers:

Cation

Anion

Anion

Neutral

Correct answer:

Cation

Explanation:

We know that the element is iron and that it is missing two electrons. This means that the atom has two less electrons than it has protons resulting in a charge of 2+. This can be written as

If an ion is positively charged it is a cation.  If it is negatively charged (more electrons than protons) it is an anion.

The ion is a cation since it has a charge of 2+.

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