Multiple Choice
An atom or a molecule with either a positive or negative charge is referred to as a(n):
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Sodium is much more apt to exist as a cation than is chlorine. This is because ________.
A
sodium has a higher electron affinity than chlorine
B
chlorine has more protons than sodium
C
sodium has a lower ionization energy than chlorine
D
chlorine has a larger atomic radius than sodium
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the question is asking why sodium is more likely to form a cation (lose an electron) compared to chlorine.
Recall that forming a cation involves removing an electron, so the key factor is the ionization energy, which is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom.
Compare the ionization energies of sodium and chlorine: sodium has a lower ionization energy, meaning it requires less energy to remove an electron and form a cation.
Recognize that electron affinity relates to gaining electrons, not losing them, so it is not the main reason sodium forms cations more readily.
Conclude that because sodium has a lower ionization energy than chlorine, it is more apt to exist as a cation.
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