Multiple Choice
Which of the following atoms is most likely to form a cation with a charge of +1?
1
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following is NOT a cation?
A
Cl^-
B
K^+
C
Ca^{2+}
D
Na^+
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that a cation is a positively charged ion, meaning it has lost one or more electrons.
Identify the charge on each ion given: $\mathrm{K}^+$ has a positive charge, $\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}$ has a double positive charge, and $\mathrm{Na}^+$ has a positive charge.
Recognize that $\mathrm{Cl}^-$ has a negative charge, indicating it has gained an electron and is therefore an anion, not a cation.
Compare the charges of all ions to determine which one is NOT a cation by looking for the ion with a negative charge.
Conclude that $\mathrm{Cl}^-$ is NOT a cation because it carries a negative charge, unlike the other positively charged ions.
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