Question

the diagram below represents a stable, uncharged lithium atom. it shows the protons and neutrons in the nucleus and the electrons surrounding it. which of these diagrams shows a lithium ion?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall ion definition

An ion is an atom that has gained or lost electrons. A neutral lithium atom has 3 protons and 3 electrons. A lithium - ion will have a different number of electrons than protons.

Step2: Analyze diagrams

We need to find a diagram where the number of electrons is not equal to the number of protons. In a neutral lithium atom, there are 3 protons. A common lithium ion has a + 1 charge, which means it has lost 1 electron and has 2 electrons while still having 3 protons.

Answer:

The diagram with 3 protons and 2 electrons shows a lithium ion. (Since the diagrams are not labeled, you would need to visually identify the one with 3 protons and 2 electrons among the options provided).