Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

What are electrically charged atoms called?

1. Molecules

2. Neutrons

3. Electrons

4. Ions

The correct answer is: Ions

Electrically charged atoms are referred to as ions. This occurs when an atom either gains or loses one or more electrons, leading to a net electrical charge. When an atom loses an electron, it becomes positively charged and is known as a cation. Conversely, when an atom gains an electron, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. This concept is fundamental to understanding chemical reactions and the behavior of substances in various physical states. In contrast, molecules are groups of two or more atoms bonded together, which can be neutral or charged depending on the atoms involved and their arrangements. Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom; they do not carry a charge and are not directly related to the concept of charged atoms. Electrons, while they are negatively charged subatomic particles, are not atoms themselves; instead, they are components of atoms that contribute to the overall charge when accounted for in relation to protons. Thus, understanding that ions are specifically the charged forms of atoms is key to grasping the fundamental principles of chemistry and electrochemistry.