Question

A simple ion with a \(3+\) charge (for example, \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\) ) results when an atom (gains/loses) electrons.

Short answer

A simple ion with a \(3+\) charge, such as \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\), is formed when an atom loses electrons. This is because the positive charge indicates there are more protons than electrons in the ion, resulting from the loss of negatively charged electrons.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Atomic Structure

Before we determine whether the ion gains or loses electrons, let's do a quick recap of atomic structure. An atom consists of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) and electrons that orbit in specific energy levels around the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the atomic number (Z) and defines an element. In a neutral atom, the number of protons and electrons is equal.

Formation of Ions

An ion is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons, resulting in an imbalance between the number of protons and electrons. If an atom gains electrons, it will have more negatively charged electrons compared to the positively charged protons, resulting in a negatively charged ion called an anion. If an atom loses electrons, it will have fewer negatively charged electrons compared to its positively charged protons, resulting in a positively charged ion called a cation.

Determining the Charge of the Ion

In this exercise, we have a simple ion with a \(3+\) charge, denoted as \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\). This means there are three more protons than electrons in the ion. A positive charge indicates that the ion has lost negatively charged electrons, causing an imbalance in favor of its positively charged protons.

Conclusion

Based on our understanding of atomic structure, ion formation, and the given information about the charge, we can conclude that a simple ion with a \(3+\) charge, such as \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\), is formed when an atom loses electrons.

Key concepts

Atomic Structure

Atoms are the building blocks of all matter and have a unique structure. At the heart of an atom is its nucleus, which contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons.
Surrounding this nucleus are electrons, which are negatively charged particles that move in orbits or energy levels.
The arrangement and number of these subatomic particles are what give each element its unique characteristics.

• Protons are found in the nucleus and determine the atomic number (Z) of an element.
• Electrons orbit around the nucleus and balance the positive charge of protons in a neutral atom.
• Neutrons also reside in the nucleus and add mass to the atom but do not affect charge.

In a neutral atom, there is an equal number of protons and electrons. This balance keeps the overall charge of the atom at zero.
Any imbalance in this number leads to the formation of ions, which are charged atoms.

Cation

A cation is a type of ion characterized by having a positive charge. This positive charge arises when an atom has more protons than electrons.
To form a cation, an atom must lose one or more of its electrons.
Because electrons have a negative charge, their loss results in the positive charge of the ion. For instance, when an aluminum atom ( ext{Al} ) loses three electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion, ext{Al}^{3+} .

• Cations have fewer electrons than protons.
• They are typically formed by metals during chemical reactions.
• Cations are essential in many chemical processes, such as forming compounds like ionic solids.

The charge on a cation is indicated by a positive sign and a number. In ext{Al}^{3+} , the 3+ symbolizes the loss of three electrons, which makes it three units more positive than it would be if neutral.

Electron Loss

Electron loss is the process through which electrons are removed from an atom.
This process is fundamental to the formation of cations and can be initiated by different means, such as chemical reactions or external energy. When an atom loses electrons, it creates an imbalance, leaving behind more protons than electrons.
This deficit of electrons compared to protons imparts a positive charge to the ion. For example, ext{Al}^{3+} is created when an aluminum atom loses three of its electrons, leading to more positive charge relative to negative one.

• Electron loss is essential in oxidation reactions, where electrons are removed from an atom or molecule.
• It often occurs in metals, which readily lose electrons to form cations.
• This process is crucial to forming ionic bonds, where cations and anions attract each other to create stable compounds.

Understanding electron loss is key to comprehending how atoms interact to form more complex structures such as molecules and solids.