An atom or group of atoms that has an electric charge is called what?

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Multiple Choice

An atom or group of atoms that has an electric charge is called what?

Explanation:
When a particle has a net electric charge, it's called an ion. This can be a single atom that has gained or lost electrons, or a group of atoms bonded together that as a whole carries a charge (a polyatomic ion). Losing electrons gives a positive charge, while gaining electrons gives a negative charge. Terms like electron dot diagram or valence electrons describe how electrons are arranged or which electrons participate in bonding, not the charged state itself. So the term for an atom or group with an electric charge is ion.

When a particle has a net electric charge, it's called an ion. This can be a single atom that has gained or lost electrons, or a group of atoms bonded together that as a whole carries a charge (a polyatomic ion). Losing electrons gives a positive charge, while gaining electrons gives a negative charge. Terms like electron dot diagram or valence electrons describe how electrons are arranged or which electrons participate in bonding, not the charged state itself. So the term for an atom or group with an electric charge is ion.

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