Question

What happens in the nucleus when a lithium atom becomes an ion

Answer 1

This means a Lithium atom formed into a Lithium ion by losing one of its electrons. It has three electrons and three protons to begin with. So when it loses or gains one the amount isnt equal, that is why it becomes an ion. If it gained electrons it would have a negative charge on the nulcleus, though if it lost electrons it would have a positivec charge. Hope this helped!!

Answer 2

Answer:

An atom that gains a negative electron, it becomes a negative ion. ... A lithium atom has 3 protons and 3 electrons. It can lose one of its electrons, making it an ion. It now has more positive protons than electrons so it has an overall positive charge.