Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
An atom of magnesium has lost two electrons. It is known as a(n) ________.
A
cation
B
anion
C
neutral atom
D
isotope
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the terms: An atom is neutral when it has equal numbers of protons and electrons. When electrons are lost or gained, the atom becomes charged.
Recall that losing electrons results in a positive charge because there are now more protons than electrons.
Recognize that a positively charged ion formed by losing electrons is called a cation.
Note that an anion is a negatively charged ion formed by gaining electrons, which is not the case here.
Therefore, an atom of magnesium that has lost two electrons is called a cation.