GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Ions

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Atomic structure Atoms and isotopes

Ions

3:44 Atomic Structure
Spec 4.4.1.2
Previous Mass Number & Isotopes Next Pre-Electron Ideas
  • Atoms have the same number of protons and electrons.
  • Central nucleus contains protons and neutrons; electrons orbit in shells.
  • Atomic number is determined by the number of protons.
  • Protons have a charge of +1; total charge of protons is +4.
  • Electrons have a charge of -1; total charge of electrons is -4.
  • Atom has no overall charge as charges cancel out (+4 and -4).
  • An ion is an atom that has gained or lost electrons.
  • Gaining electrons results in a negative charge (negative ion).
  • Losing electrons results in a positive charge (positive ion).
  • Ions are created by transferring electrons between atoms, forming chemical bonds.
  • Ionization can occur due to ionizing radiation.
  • Atomic notation uses plus or minus signs to denote ion charge.
  • Ions do not change the element, only its charge.
  • Positive ions have a plus sign in the top right; negative ions have a minus sign.
  • Understanding ions is important in both physics and chemistry.

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