Which statement best describes ions?

Which statement best describes ions?

• A. Atoms with added electrons (negative) or removed electrons (positive)
• B. Atoms with fixed electron count
• C. Atoms with no nucleus
• D. Atoms with only protons

Answer: (A)

Ions are charged atoms: their net charge comes from having a different number of electrons than protons. When electrons are added, the atom gains negative charge; when electrons are removed, it gains positive charge. The nucleus stays the same, so the element’s identity doesn’t change, but the overall charge does. This best description captures the defining feature of ions—the imbalance between protons and electrons. The other statements miss that crucial idea: having a fixed electron count doesn’t express the gain or loss that creates a charge; having no nucleus would not be a complete atom; having only protons isn’t how a functioning atom is described.

Ions are charged atoms: their net charge comes from having a different number of electrons than protons. When electrons are added, the atom gains negative charge; when electrons are removed, it gains positive charge. The nucleus stays the same, so the element’s identity doesn’t change, but the overall charge does.

This best description captures the defining feature of ions—the imbalance between protons and electrons. The other statements miss that crucial idea: having a fixed electron count doesn’t express the gain or loss that creates a charge; having no nucleus would not be a complete atom; having only protons isn’t how a functioning atom is described.