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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a cation?
A
Na^+
B
SO_4^{2-}
C
Cl^-
D
O^{2-}
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that a cation is a positively charged ion, meaning it has lost one or more electrons and carries a positive charge.
Look at each ion's charge notation: $\mathrm{Na^+}$ has a positive charge, $\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}$ has a negative charge, $\mathrm{Cl^-}$ has a negative charge, and $\mathrm{O^{2-}}$ has a negative charge.
Identify which ion has a positive charge by focusing on the superscript indicating the charge sign and magnitude.
Recognize that $\mathrm{Na^+}$ is the only ion with a positive charge, making it a cation.
Conclude that $\mathrm{Na^+}$ is the cation among the given options because it carries a positive charge.