Multiple Choice
Which two particles would be attracted to each other due to opposite charges?
1
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following best describes a positive ion?
A
An atom or molecule with an equal number of protons and electrons
B
An atom or molecule that has lost one or more protons
C
An atom or molecule that has gained one or more electrons
D
An atom or molecule that has lost one or more electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.
Understand that a positive ion, also called a cation, is formed when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons, because electrons carry a negative charge.
Recognize that losing electrons means the number of protons (positive charges) exceeds the number of electrons (negative charges), giving the ion an overall positive charge.
Note that gaining electrons would create a negative ion (anion), and losing protons is not typical in ion formation because protons are part of the nucleus and do not change during chemical reactions.
Therefore, the best description of a positive ion is an atom or molecule that has lost one or more electrons.
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