Multiple Choice
Why do anions carry a negative charge?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following ions is a cation?
A
Cl^-
B
SO_4^{2-}
C
NO_3^-
D
Na^+
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definition of a cation: a cation is a positively charged ion, meaning it has lost one or more electrons.
Look at the charge of each ion given in the problem: Cl⁻ has a negative charge, SO₄²⁻ has a negative charge, and NO₃⁻ also has a negative charge.
Since all the ions listed (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻) have negative charges, they are all anions, not cations.
Identify the ion Na⁺, which has a positive charge, indicating it is a cation because it has lost one electron.
Conclude that among the options, Na⁺ is the cation because it carries a positive charge, while the others are anions with negative charges.
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