Multiple Choice
Which process leads to the formation of a cation from a neutral atom?
2
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
Which of the following elements typically forms cations?
A
Chlorine (Cl)
B
Sulfur (S)
C
Oxygen (O)
D
Sodium (Na)
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.
Recall that elements tend to form cations if they are metals, as metals have relatively low ionization energies and tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Look at the elements given: Chlorine (Cl), Sulfur (S), Oxygen (O), and Sodium (Na). Chlorine, Sulfur, and Oxygen are nonmetals and typically gain electrons to form anions (negatively charged ions).
Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it readily loses one electron to form a Na⁺ cation.
Therefore, the element that typically forms cations among the options is Sodium (Na) because it loses electrons to achieve a stable noble gas electron configuration.
Related Videos
Related Practice
