Multiple Choice
When potassium forms an ion, which of the following occurs?
1
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which process leads to the formation of a positive ion (cation)?
A
An atom shares electrons with another atom.
B
An atom loses one or more electrons.
C
An atom gains one or more electrons.
D
An atom gains one or more protons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a positive ion, or cation, is formed when an atom has more protons than electrons, resulting in a net positive charge.
Recall that electrons are negatively charged particles, so losing electrons decreases the negative charge, making the atom positively charged.
Recognize that sharing electrons (as in covalent bonding) does not create a net charge on the atom, so it does not form a cation.
Note that gaining electrons adds negative charge, which would form a negative ion (anion), not a cation.
Understand that gaining protons is not a typical chemical process for ion formation because the number of protons defines the element and does not change during chemical reactions.
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