Atomic Models: Similarities and Differences

Which of the statements about the atomic models shown is correct?

A) Both models represent atoms with the same atomic number.

B) Both models represent atoms with the same atomic mass.

C) The model on the left is an ion and the model on the right is an isotope.

D) The model on the left is an isotope and the model on the right is an ion.

Answer:

Without the specific atomic models to look at, the correct answer is conditional; it depends on the number of protons (atomic number), neutrons (mass number), and electrons (charge state) presented in each model. The model with a differing number of neutrons but the same atomic number is an isotope, while the one with a different charge state (unequal numbers of protons and electrons) is an ion.

To determine whether the statements given are correct concerning the atomic models, we need to understand the definitions of ions, isotopes, atomic numbers, and atomic mass.

An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. An isotope is an atom of the same element with the same atomic number (number of protons) but different mass numbers (due to a different number of neutrons).

Without visual access to the models referenced in the question, we use the general information available:

• Atoms with the same atomic number but different mass numbers are isotopes of each other.
• Ions are created when atoms gain or lose electrons, affecting their charge but not their atomic number or mass number.

Based on the information in the question, the correct statement could be either Choice C or D, depending on which model represents an ion or an isotope. If the model on the left has fewer or more electrons than protons, it's an ion, whereas if it has a different number of neutrons but the same number of protons as the model on the right, it's an isotope. Conversely, if the model on the right has different numbers of electrons compared to protons, then it's an ion, and if it has differing neutrons but the same protons as the model on the left, it's an isotope.