Multiple Choice
Which term describes the process whereby an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons to become an ion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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If an atom has a charge of 2+, what does this indicate about the atom?
A
It has lost two electrons and is a cation.
B
It has gained two protons and is an anion.
C
It has lost two protons and is a cation.
D
It has gained two electrons and is an anion.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the charge on an atom indicates the difference between the number of protons and electrons in the atom.
Recall that protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged, while neutrons have no charge and do not affect the overall charge.
A charge of 2+ means the atom has more positive charges than negative charges by 2 units.
Since protons cannot be gained or lost in a normal chemical process, the positive charge must come from the loss of electrons.
Therefore, an atom with a 2+ charge has lost two electrons and is called a cation (a positively charged ion).
