Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Practice
An ion is formed
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: By either adding or subtracting protons from the atom. An ion is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons, leading to an unequal number of protons and electrons. Protons determine the atom's identity, so changing the number of protons would result in a different element. This process results in the formation of ions with a positive charge if protons are added or a negative charge if protons are subtracted. Choices B and C are incorrect because adding or subtracting electrons or neutrons does not change the fundamental identity of the atom, only its charge or mass. Choice D is incorrect as not all options are true for ion formation.