Multiple Choice
Why do atoms gain or lose electrons?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following elements is most likely to form a cation?
A
S
B
Na
C
O
D
Cl
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a cation is a positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.
Recall that metals tend to lose electrons to form cations, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons to form anions.
Identify the elements given: S (sulfur), Na (sodium), O (oxygen), and Cl (chlorine). Note that Na is a metal, while the others are nonmetals.
Recognize that sodium (Na), being an alkali metal, has a low ionization energy and readily loses one electron to form a Na⁺ cation.
Conclude that among the given elements, Na is the most likely to form a cation because it easily loses an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.
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