Use the data table to answer the following question.

Question

Data Table

Substance Number of Protons Number of Electrons

lithium 3 2

fluorine 9 10

potassium 19 19

sulfur 16 18

Which substance in the data table above represents an ion with a +1 charge?

A. Lithium

B. Fluorine

C. Potassium

D. Sulfur

Answer 1

To determine which substance represents an ion with a +1 charge, we need to consider the relationship between the number of protons and electrons.

An ion is formed when there is a difference between the number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged):

• A neutral atom has the same number of protons and electrons.
• A cation (positively charged ion) has more protons than electrons.
• An anion (negatively charged ion) has more electrons than protons.

Now, let's examine the substances in the data table:

1. Lithium: 3 protons, 2 electrons → 3 - 2 = +1 (this is a cation)
2. Fluorine: 9 protons, 10 electrons → 9 - 10 = -1 (this is an anion)
3. Potassium: 19 protons, 19 electrons → 19 - 19 = 0 (this is neutral)
4. Sulfur: 16 protons, 18 electrons → 16 - 18 = -2 (this is an anion)

From this analysis, the substance that represents an ion with a +1 charge is:

A. Lithium