Question

If an atom like aluminum becomes an ion by losing 3 electrons, what is the

charge on the ion?
1+
2+
3+
3-

Answer 1

The basis to this Qs. is that electrons are negatively charged, and protons are positively charged. Essentially, the reason for an atom’s neutrality is a balance between the proton(s)/ positive charge(s) and the electron(s)/negative charge(s). So when 3 electrons are lost, we have an extra 3 protons left. As the charge of the proton is positive, your answer is “3+”.