Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements is most likely to form a cation?
2
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between a cation and an anion?
A
Cations and anions are neutral atoms.
B
A cation is an ion with a positive charge, while an anion is an ion with a negative charge.
C
Both cations and anions are ions with no net charge.
D
A cation is an ion with a negative charge, while an anion is an ion with a positive charge.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the definition of ions. Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge.
Step 2: Define a cation. A cation is an ion that has lost one or more electrons, giving it a net positive charge.
Step 3: Define an anion. An anion is an ion that has gained one or more electrons, giving it a net negative charge.
Step 4: Recognize that neutral atoms have no net charge because the number of protons equals the number of electrons, so they are neither cations nor anions.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is: 'A cation is an ion with a positive charge, while an anion is an ion with a negative charge.'
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