Which statement contrasts molecules and ions?

Which statement contrasts molecules and ions?

• A. The difference is that molecules lack an electric charge
• B. Ions have electric charge
• C. Molecules have electric charge
• D. Both have electric charge

Answer: (C)

Electric charge distinguishes ions from most molecules. An ion carries a net positive or negative charge because it has gained or lost electrons. Molecules, in their neutral form, typically have no overall charge—the electrons are shared in a way that balances to zero. So the best contrast is that ions have electric charge, while neutral molecules do not. Keep in mind there are charged molecules too (molecular ions or polyatomic ions), but the common distinction emphasizes the presence of charge in ions. The other statements aren’t generally accurate: molecules aren’t universally uncharged, some molecules can be charged, and it’s not correct to say both always carry charge.

Electric charge distinguishes ions from most molecules. An ion carries a net positive or negative charge because it has gained or lost electrons. Molecules, in their neutral form, typically have no overall charge—the electrons are shared in a way that balances to zero. So the best contrast is that ions have electric charge, while neutral molecules do not. Keep in mind there are charged molecules too (molecular ions or polyatomic ions), but the common distinction emphasizes the presence of charge in ions. The other statements aren’t generally accurate: molecules aren’t universally uncharged, some molecules can be charged, and it’s not correct to say both always carry charge.