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Multiple Choice
What is the charge of a lithium ion, given that lithium's atomic number is 3?
A
-2
B
+2
C
-1
D
+1
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number of lithium, which is 3. This means lithium has 3 protons in its nucleus.
Understand that in a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Therefore, a neutral lithium atom also has 3 electrons.
Recall that ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons. A positive ion (cation) is formed when an atom loses electrons.
Determine how many electrons lithium loses to form a stable ion. Lithium tends to lose 1 electron to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to helium, which has 2 electrons.
Conclude that when lithium loses 1 electron, it has 3 protons and 2 electrons, resulting in a net charge of +1, since the number of protons (positive charges) exceeds the number of electrons (negative charges) by one.