2006-11-25 11:39:40 · 5 answers · asked by jboxman7 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
An ion differs from the original element in terms of the number of electrons.
The mass of an electron is about 1/1836 of a proton or a neutron.
Therefore there would be a tiny difference in atomic mass, however in most cases it's fairly negligable.
2006-11-25 11:50:19 · answer #1 · answered by nazzyonenine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The atomic mass will not be significantly different in theory and in reality the atomic mass will not really change. The ion does not really lose or gain an electron but acquires a state of reactivity that is conveniently labeled as positive or negative.
2006-11-25 19:55:24 · answer #2 · answered by Doctor B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, yes. There would be difference in mass but, because electrons have very small mass; the difference is assumed to be negligible in general calculations and measurements.
2006-11-25 19:55:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course all the answers that state it would (well really not) be the same (really about 1/1836 less) are indeed correct.
So, one might say that loosing (or gaining) an electron or so 'hardly matters'!
Any way . . . Get an "A".
2006-11-25 20:45:57 · answer #4 · answered by teachr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Well, actually yes, since electrons do have a very small mass.
2006-11-25 19:47:35 · answer #5 · answered by JIMBO 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋