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Combined Science: Physics

GCSE · Edexcel · higher

QuestionsFlashcards

Expressing Quantities & SI Units
- Units & Prefixes
  7
- Conversions & Standard Form
  7

Atomic Structure
Radioactive Decay
Dangers of Radiation
- Dangers of Radiation
  5
- Contamination & Irradiation
  5

Positive Ions Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

Why is an atom electrically neutral?: It has equal numbers of protons and electrons, so the positive and negative charges cancel.
What must a neutral atom lose to become a positive ion?: One or more of its outer electrons.
What is the charge on an ion formed when a neutral atom loses two outer electrons?: +2, because the atom now has two more protons than electrons.
True or false? An atom becomes a positive ion by gaining protons.: False. It loses outer electrons; the number of protons never changes when an ion forms.
How can absorbing electromagnetic radiation turn an atom into a positive ion?: If an outer electron absorbs enough energy, it escapes from the atom completely, leaving the atom with more protons than electrons.