An atom of a certain element cannot be changed by adding or subtracting an electron, right? It can only become a negatively or positively charged ion of that same element. Tell me if I'm right or wrong please. This isn't for a test, I'm just trying to make sense of the concept.

Question

An atom of a certain element cannot be changed by adding or subtracting an electron, right?  It can only become a negatively or positively charged ion of that same element.  Tell me if I'm right or wrong please.  This isn't for a test, I'm just trying to make sense of the concept.

anonymous · Answer

@Kryten   when you get a chance :)

anonymous · Answer

In the same way, an atom of one element cannot change into another element by adding/subtracting neutrons.  It can only become an isotope of that element, correct?

mayankdevnani · Answer

yeah.you are in correct way. @LoverofWords

anonymous · Answer

On both of those statements?

mayankdevnani · Answer

yeah

anonymous · Answer

Okay, so let's say I have lithium (3 protons, 4 neutrons, 3 electrons).  If I take away an electron, it simply becomes a positively charged ion.  If I add a neutron, it simply becomes lithium 8.  If I add a proton, it becomes beryllium.  Are all of these statements correct? @mayankdevnani

mayankdevnani · Answer

all the statements are correct !!

mayankdevnani · Answer

WELL DONE !  @LoverofWords

mayankdevnani · Answer

attachment

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much!  I'm very appreciative!!!! :)

mayankdevnani · Answer

welcome :)