Multiple Choice
Which of the following conditions produces an anion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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How does a sodium atom acquire a positive (+1) charge to become a sodium ion?
A
It loses one electron.
B
It loses one neutron.
C
It gains one proton.
D
It gains one electron.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the charge of an atom is determined by the balance between the number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge).
Recognize that a sodium atom (Na) is neutral when it has an equal number of protons and electrons.
To become a sodium ion with a +1 charge, the atom must have more protons than electrons by one unit.
Since protons are fixed in the nucleus and do not change during ion formation, the sodium atom must lose one electron to have one more proton than electrons.
Therefore, the sodium atom acquires a +1 charge by losing one electron, resulting in a positively charged sodium ion (Na\textsuperscript{+}).
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