C1.

7 Ions, Atoms and Isotopes

Task 1: Using your periodic table look up the following elements and write down in the
number of protons, neutrons and electrons:

Ca P B Rh Fe
P P P P P
N N N N N
e e e e e

Ions

An ion is an atom that has either gained or lost an electron.

If an atom gains electrons it becomes negatively charged.

If an atom loses an electron it becomes positively charged.

An ion is a charged atom or group of atoms.

Task 2 – Complete the table to show the number of protons and neutrons in each ion.
TOGETHER we will complete the number of electrons.

Number of Number of Number of

Ion Atomic number
protons neutrons electrons
7
Li 3

39
K 19

19 −
F 9

16
O2− 8

27
Al3 13

80
Br− 35

32
S2− 16

24
Mg2 12

14
N3− 7

45
Sc3 21

HVO
C1.7 Ions, Atoms and Isotopes
Task 3 – Identify the charge on each ion – together we will do
the first 3.
Ion Protons Neutrons Electrons Charge

Magnesium ion 12 12 10

Potassium ion 19 20 18

Fluoride ion 9 10 10

Oxide ion 8 8 10

Sulfide ion 16 16 18

What is an isotope?

• Atoms of the same type of element with different numbers of neutrons.

• Sometimes extra neutrons make the nucleus unstable (radioactive).

• They can have different physical properties e.g. density but ALWAYS the same
chemical properties.

How to answer an exam question on isotopes:

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