* Protons: Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons defines the element (e.g., carbon always has 6 protons).
* Ions: Ions are atoms that have gained or lost electrons.
* Cations: Atoms that have lost electrons have a positive charge.
* Anions: Atoms that have gained electrons have a negative charge.
Neutral Atom: A neutral atom has an equal number of protons (positive charges) and electrons (negative charges). The positive and negative charges cancel out, resulting in a net charge of zero.
Example:
* A neutral sodium atom (Na) has 11 protons and 11 electrons.
* A sodium ion (Na+) has 11 protons but only 10 electrons (it lost one).
Key Takeaway: The number of protons determines the element, while the number of electrons determines the charge of an ion. A neutral atom has no net charge.
