Multiple Choice
What is the charge of the magnesium ion (Mg^{2+})?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Why does a sodium atom become a positively charged ion when it loses one electron?
A
Because losing an electron results in more protons than electrons, giving the atom a net positive charge.
B
Because losing an electron causes the atom to gain an extra proton.
C
Because losing an electron makes the atom electrically neutral.
D
Because losing an electron increases the number of neutrons, making the atom positive.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an atom is made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral.
Recognize that in a neutral sodium atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, so the overall charge is zero.
When a sodium atom loses one electron, it now has fewer electrons than protons.
Since protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged, having more protons than electrons means the atom has a net positive charge.
Therefore, losing an electron causes the sodium atom to become a positively charged ion (cation) because the balance of charge shifts toward positive.
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