Table of contents

2. Atoms & Elements

Ions

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the charge of an anion?

Variable depending on the element

Neutral

Negative

Positive

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that an anion is an ion formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Recall that electrons carry a negative charge, so gaining electrons increases the negative charge of the atom.

Recognize that because anions have more electrons than protons, they carry a net negative charge.

Contrast this with cations, which lose electrons and have a positive charge, and neutral atoms, which have equal numbers of protons and electrons.

Therefore, the best description of the charge of an anion is that it is negative.

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