Isotopes and Ions - When Atoms Get Interesting
Isotopes are like identical twins with different weights - they're the same element but with varying numbers of neutrons. Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and Carbon-14 all have 6 protons, but they've got 6, 7, and 8 neutrons respectively.
Chlorine isotopes work the same way. Chlorine-35 has 17 protons and 18 neutrons, whilst Chlorine-37 has 17 protons and 20 neutrons. Same element, different mass.
Ions form when atoms gain or lose electrons, giving them an electric charge. Positive ions have lost electrons (like Na⁺ losing one electron), whilst negative ions have gained them (like F⁻ gaining one electron).
⚡ Remember: Protons determine the element, neutrons create isotopes, and electrons create ions!
Oxygen can gain 2 electrons to become O²⁻, whilst aluminium can lose 3 electrons to become Al³⁺. The charge tells you exactly how many electrons were gained or lost.