Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the difference between a cation and an anion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following best describes a cation?
A
A molecule formed by covalent bonding between nonmetals
B
An ion with a positive charge formed by the loss of electrons
C
An ion with a negative charge formed by the gain of electrons
D
A neutral atom with equal numbers of protons and electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge.
Recall that when an atom loses one or more electrons, it has more protons than electrons, giving it a positive charge; this positively charged ion is called a cation.
Recognize that when an atom gains one or more electrons, it has more electrons than protons, resulting in a negative charge; this negatively charged ion is called an anion.
Note that a molecule formed by covalent bonding between nonmetals involves sharing electrons and does not result in charged ions.
Identify that a neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and electrons, so it carries no net charge and is not an ion.
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