Atom Vs. Ion: Unpacking The Differences In Oxygen Nuclides

Hey there, chemistry enthusiasts! Let's dive into a fascinating comparison: the atom of the nuclide $^{16}O$ and its ionic counterpart, the nuclide $^{16}O^{2-}$. This isn't just a simple exercise; it's a fundamental concept in understanding how matter behaves at the atomic level. Grasping the distinctions between atoms and ions is crucial, and we're going to break it down in a way that's easy to digest. We will explore each option provided in the question, understanding what changes and what stays the same, so you can confidently answer similar questions in the future. Ready to unravel the mysteries of oxygen? Let's get started!

Understanding the Basics: Atoms vs. Ions

Before we jump into the specific comparison between the atom of the nuclide $^{16}O$ and the ion of the nuclide $^{16}O^{2-}$, let's quickly review some core concepts. An atom is the basic building block of all matter. It consists of protons (positively charged particles), neutrons (neutral particles), and electrons (negatively charged particles). The number of protons defines the element. For example, all oxygen atoms (O) have 8 protons. The number of neutrons can vary, leading to different isotopes of the same element; the superscript 16 in $^{16}O$ indicates its mass number (protons + neutrons). The atom is normally electrically neutral because it has an equal number of protons and electrons, meaning the positive and negative charges balance out. On the other hand, an ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost electrons, making it electrically charged. If an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negative ion (anion). If it loses electrons, it becomes a positive ion (cation). In our case, the $^{16}O^{2-}$ is an anion, where the oxygen atom has gained two electrons, hence the -2 charge. Now we have laid the groundwork; let's explore the key differences between the atom of the nuclide $^{16}O$ and the ion of the nuclide $^{16}O^{2-}$ by evaluating the given options. This will help you identify the characteristic that changes when an atom forms an ion.

Unveiling the Secrets of Atoms and Ions: Oxygen's Transformation

Now, let's carefully examine the given options and determine the correct answer. The options provided highlight the different subatomic particles and their roles in defining the characteristics of an atom and an ion. The main difference is the electrical charge, leading to the creation of the ion. Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the core components, and understanding their arrangement is essential for chemistry. The mass number changes due to the number of neutrons in the nucleus. It is the number of electrons that differs when we compare an atom with its corresponding ion. We will now investigate each option.

Examining the Options: Dissecting the Subatomic Particles

a) Number of Protons

Let's start by looking at option (a): number of protons. The number of protons defines the element. So, an atom of oxygen and an ion of oxygen, both, by definition, have the same number of protons. Oxygen atoms and ions all have 8 protons. The number of protons is determined by the atomic number of the element. This number is what identifies the element; change the number of protons, and you change the element itself. This is a fundamental concept in understanding the periodic table. The number of protons does not change when an atom becomes an ion, so option (a) is incorrect. The number of protons remains constant in both the atom and the ion. The atomic number, which is equal to the number of protons, always stays the same for a specific element. Therefore, the number of protons is not the difference between the atom and the ion in this instance. So, the number of protons cannot be the answer.

b) Number of Electrons

Next, let's explore option (b): number of electrons. This is where things get interesting! Atoms are electrically neutral because they have the same number of positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons. However, ions are formed when an atom gains or loses electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. In the case of $^{16}O$, which is a neutral oxygen atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons, which is 8. But in the case of $^{16}O^{2-}$, which is an oxygen ion with a -2 charge, it means that the oxygen atom has gained two electrons. Therefore, the ion now has 8 (protons) + 2 (extra electrons) = 10 electrons. This is the key difference! The number of electrons is different. So, option (b) is the correct answer. The number of electrons is indeed different between the oxygen atom and the oxygen ion. Remember, ions are formed by the gain or loss of electrons, which changes the total charge of the atom. In this case, the oxygen ion has gained two electrons, resulting in a -2 charge. Now, we'll keep moving, but remember this is the correct answer.

c) Number of Neutrons

Now, let's investigate option (c): number of neutrons. Neutrons, along with protons, reside in the nucleus of an atom. The number of neutrons can vary, creating different isotopes of the same element. In the case of this question, we're specifically looking at the $^{16}O$ nuclide. The superscript 16 refers to the mass number (protons + neutrons). Since oxygen has 8 protons, the number of neutrons is 16 (mass number) - 8 (protons) = 8 neutrons. When an atom becomes an ion, it doesn't gain or lose neutrons. The number of neutrons remains the same. Therefore, the number of neutrons is the same in both the atom and the ion, so option (c) is incorrect. This is an essential point to remember when dealing with ions and isotopes. The formation of an ion involves the gain or loss of electrons, not the alteration of the nucleus (which would involve neutrons and protons). As a result, the number of neutrons stays constant.

d) Nuclear Charge

Finally, let's look at option (d): nuclear charge. The nuclear charge is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus. In the case of both the oxygen atom and the oxygen ion, the number of protons is the same – 8. Therefore, the nuclear charge is also the same. The nuclear charge is a characteristic property of the element itself. It doesn't change when an atom becomes an ion. Thus, option (d) is incorrect. The charge of the nucleus is determined by the number of protons (positive charges) and doesn't change during the formation of ions. It is important to realize that the charge is determined by the protons. An atom or ion of the same element will always have the same nuclear charge. So, option (d) is incorrect.

The Answer: Electron Difference

So, after a thorough analysis, we can confidently conclude that the correct answer is (b): the number of electrons. The primary difference between the atom of the nuclide $^{16}O$ and the ion of the nuclide $^{16}O^{2-}$ is in the number of electrons. The atom has 8 electrons, whereas the ion has 10 electrons. This change in the number of electrons leads to the negative charge on the oxygen ion. We have successfully unpacked the differences between the atom and the ion. Understanding these distinctions is fundamental to understanding chemical behavior, and you're now equipped with the knowledge to tackle similar questions with ease. Congrats!

I hope this explanation was helpful! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!