Multiple Choice
How many electrons are present in a Na^+ ion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which process leads to the formation of a cation?
A
An atom undergoes nuclear decay.
B
An atom shares electrons with another atom.
C
An atom gains one or more electrons.
D
An atom loses one or more electrons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand what a cation is: a cation is a positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.
Analyze each process to see how it affects the atom's charge:
1. Nuclear decay changes the nucleus and can change the element but does not directly form cations by electron loss or gain.
2. Sharing electrons with another atom (covalent bonding) involves electron sharing, not loss or gain, so it does not form cations.
3. Gaining one or more electrons results in a negatively charged ion (anion), not a cation.
4. Losing one or more electrons decreases the number of negatively charged electrons, leaving the atom with a net positive charge, thus forming a cation.
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