What relationship do ions have compared to neutral atoms?

Ions are charged particles that form when atoms either gain or lose electrons. A neutral atom has an equal number of protons, which carry a positive charge, and electrons, which carry a negative charge. This balance results in no overall charge.

When an atom loses electrons, it has more protons than electrons, leading to a positive charge; this type of ion is known as a cation. Conversely, if an atom gains electrons, it has more electrons than protons, resulting in a negative charge, forming an anion.

The option indicating that ions have more protons than electrons correctly describes cations, while acknowledging that ions can also exist as anions provides a broader understanding of ion formation. Therefore, the distinction that ions often possess a charge due to an unequal number of protons and electrons is key in understanding the fundamental properties that differentiate ions from neutral atoms.