Multiple Choice
What is the charge on a chloride ion (Cl^-)?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which process leads to the formation of a cation?
A
An atom loses one or more electrons
B
An atom gains one or more electrons
C
An atom shares electrons with another atom
D
An atom undergoes nuclear decay
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a cation is a positively charged ion, which means it has more protons than electrons.
Recall that the charge of an ion depends on the balance between protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge).
Recognize that when an atom loses one or more electrons, it has fewer electrons than protons, resulting in a positive charge, thus forming a cation.
Contrast this with gaining electrons, which would create an anion (negatively charged ion), and sharing electrons, which typically forms covalent bonds without creating ions.
Note that nuclear decay involves changes in the nucleus and does not directly cause the formation of cations or anions.
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