Let's analyze each case by comparing the number of protons (p) and electrons (e) to determine whether each representation is a neutral atom or a charged ion.
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3p, 4n: This atom has 3 protons. Since it is not specified how many electrons it has, we cannot definitively classify it as neutral or charged based on just these values. However, let's assume it has 3 electrons (which would make it neutral). If we take the electron count to be less than 3, it would be a cation (positive ion); if more than 3, it would be an anion (negative ion). Without additional information about the electrons, we assume it is a neutral atom: a. neutral atom.
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7p, 7n: This atom has 7 protons and no indication of a charge. Since the number of protons equals the number of electrons (7), this would be a neutral atom: a. neutral atom.
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11p, 12n: This atom has 11 protons. If it has 11 electrons, it would be neutral. However, with 12 neutrons and assuming the electron count is less than or more than 11, it could mean that it is either a cation or an anion. We don't have the electron count so we cannot determine its charge definitively. But given the number of protons versus the absence of charges mentioned, it would likely be an ion: b. charged ion (since it typically suggests an imbalance).
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6p, 6n: This atom has 6 protons and no indication of a charge. Since the number of protons equals the number of electrons (6), this would also be a neutral atom: a. neutral atom.
Based on this analysis:
- 1: a. neutral atom (assuming 3 electrons)
- 2: a. neutral atom
- 3: b. charged ion (assuming an imbalance)
- 4: a. neutral atom
If you have additional information about the number of electrons, please provide that for a more accurate classification.
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