Question

which one of the following is an ion?
○ b₃⁺
○ nacl
○ he
○ ¹⁴c
○ none of the above

Explanation:

An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. Let's analyze each option:

• \( B^{3+} \): This is a boron ion with a +3 charge, meaning it has lost 3 electrons, so it's an ion.
• \( NaCl \): This is a compound (sodium chloride), not an ion. It's made of \( Na^+ \) and \( Cl^- \) ions but is a neutral compound overall.
• \( He \): Helium is a neutral atom (noble gas), not an ion.
• \( ^{14}C \): This is a carbon isotope, a neutral atom, not an ion.
• "none of the above" is incorrect as \( B^{3+} \) is an ion.

Answer:

A. \( B^{3+} \)