Answer :
Final answer:
When a nitrogen atom loses one electron, it will have a charge of +1, becoming a cation. The atom structure consists of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, with electrons orbiting. The charge is determined by the difference in the number of protons and electrons.
Explanation:
Understanding Atomic Charge
A nitrogen atom (N) has 7 protons and, in its neutral state, 7 electrons, which makes it electrically neutral since the positive charges from protons equal the negative charges from electrons.
If a nitrogen atom loses one electron, it will then have 7 protons and 6 electrons. The overall charge of the atom can be calculated using the formula:
Atomic charge = number of protons - number of electrons
Substituting the values gives:
Atomic charge = 7 protons - 6 electrons = +1 charge
Therefore, the overall charge of the nitrogen atom after losing one electron will be +1, making it a positively charged ion, or cation, represented as N+.
Structure of an Atom
The structure of an atom consists of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus at the center of the atom, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in various energy levels. In the case of nitrogen:
- Protons: 7 (positive charge)
- Neutrons: 7 (neutral charge)
- Electrons: 7 (negative charge, reduced to 6 after one is lost)
This arrangement contributes to its chemical behavior and charge, particularly when it gains or loses electrons.
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