a few basic chem q's. atoms, elements, etc.. HELP?!?

[Student4Now]

Hey all! I need a little help working some of this out in my noggin. I know that a molecule can be one or more atoms and that a compound is a molecule with more that one element in it. Does that mean different types of elements only? Or does it mean more than one of the same element? Also, I read that if an atom is neutral, that means there is one proton per electron. So does that mean if there are more protons than electrons, it is positive and vice versa? Thanks :typing

[mark1973]

A compound must have at least two different types of elements (i.e., sodium chloride, NaCl) or else it is not a compound.

Protons are positive, electrons are negative. If an atom has an equal number of protons and neutrons, it is electrically neutral. But electrons can be shared or "stolen" between atoms depending on how many electrons they already have.

Since protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged, if there are more electrons than protons, the atom or molecule will be negatively charged. This is called an anion.

Conversely, if there are more protons than electrons, the atom or molecule will be positively charged. This is called a cation.

[Student4Now]

Hey thanks!

[Music in My Heart]

Protons are positive, electrons are negative. If an atom has an equal number of protons and neutrons, it is electrically neutral.

Just to correct mark1973's typo: "If an atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, it is electrically neutral."

[Student4Now]

lol thanks!