For an Atom to Be Considered an Ion

Question

For an atom to be considered an ion:
A) protons can outnumber neutrons.
B) protons can outnumber electrons.
C) neutrons can outnumber protons.
D) protons equal electrons.

Accepted Answer

An ion is an atom that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a different number of protons and electrons. When protons outnumber electrons, the ion is positively charged, and when electrons outnumber protons, the ion is negatively charged. Therefore, option B is the correct answer as it states that protons can outnumber electrons to form an ion.