Multiple Choice
Which of the following ions is a cation?
3
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
When a sodium atom loses one electron, it becomes positively charged. What is the correct name and symbol for this ion?
A
Sodium cation, Na_2^+
B
Sodium atom, Na
C
Sodium ion, Na^-
D
Sodium ion, Na^+
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that when an atom loses or gains electrons, it becomes an ion with a charge corresponding to the number of electrons lost or gained.
Recognize that a sodium atom (Na) has 11 protons and 11 electrons in its neutral state.
When sodium loses one electron, it has 11 protons but only 10 electrons, resulting in a net positive charge of +1.
The ion formed is called a sodium ion or sodium cation, and its symbol reflects the positive charge as $Na^{+}$.
Note that the other options are incorrect because $Na_2^{+}$ suggests a diatomic ion which does not exist for sodium, and $Na^{-}$ indicates a negatively charged ion, which is not the case here.
Related Videos
Related Practice
