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Multiple Choice
Soil can easily become deficient in __________ because these ions are negatively charged and do not stick to negatively charged soil particles.
A
potassium
B
calcium
C
magnesium
D
ammonium
E
nitrate
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that soil particles often have a negative charge, which affects how they interact with ions.
Recognize that ions can be either positively charged (cations) or negatively charged (anions).
Identify that negatively charged ions, or anions, do not easily adhere to the negatively charged soil particles due to like charges repelling each other.
Consider the options provided: potassium, calcium, magnesium, and ammonium are all cations, while nitrate is an anion.
Conclude that nitrate ions are more likely to leach away from the soil because they do not stick to the negatively charged soil particles, leading to potential deficiency.