When atom a loses an electron to atom b: a) atom a becomes a negative ion and atom b becomes a positive ion. b) atom a acquires more neutrons than atom b. c) atom a becomes more negative than atom b. d) atom a acquires less neutrons than atom b. e) atom a becomes a positive ion and atom b becomes a negative ion.

The correct answer is e) atom A becomes a positive ion and atom B becomes a negative ion. Ions are charged particles that result when a neutral atom gains or loses an electron.

Further Explanation:

In the problem, atom A loses an electron to atom B.

Suppose atom A has 11 protons and 11 electrons and atom B has 9 protons and 9 electrons.

BEFORE TRANSFER OF ELECTRONS

atom A:    11 protons, 11 electrons

atom B:     9 protons, 9 electrons

AFTER TRANSFER OF ELECTRONS

atom A:    11 protons, 10 electrons

atom B:      9 protons, 10 electrons

a) atom A becomes a negative ion and atom B becomes a positive ion FALSE because atom A has more protons than electrons turning it into a positive ion, and atom B now has more electrons making a negative ion.

b) atom A acquires more neutrons than atom B FALSE because only the number of electrons changed. The number of neutrons are unchanged in the formation of ions.

c) atom A becomes more negative than atom B FALSE because atom A becomes more positive since there is more protons (positively charged) than electrons (negatively charged) while atom B, with its extra electron becomes negatively charged

d) atom A acquires less neutrons than atom B FALSE because the number of neutrons does not change. Only an electron was transferred.

e) atom A becomes a positive ion and atom B becomes a negative ion TRUE because there are more protons than electrons in A after the electron transfer and there are more electrons in B than protons after receiving the electron.

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Keywords: ion, electron, atom

grav potential energy