Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes how an anion is formed?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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What type of ion is formed when an atom loses an electron?
A
A neutral atom
B
A molecule
C
An anion
D
A cation
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that atoms are electrically neutral when they have an equal number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge).
Understand that when an atom loses an electron, it loses a negative charge, resulting in more protons than electrons.
Recognize that this imbalance creates a positively charged ion, because the number of positive charges exceeds the number of negative charges.
Know that a positively charged ion formed by the loss of electrons is called a cation.
Therefore, the type of ion formed when an atom loses an electron is a cation.
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