Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Entry Exam
An atom of oxygen has more electrons than a neutral oxygen atom. What is this called?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is 'B: Ion.' An ion is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge. In this case, an oxygen atom with more electrons than the usual number is referred to as an oxygen ion. Isotopes, on the other hand, are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. Therefore, an atom of oxygen having more electrons than a neutral oxygen atom is best described as an ion, not an isotope.