Table of contents

2. Atoms & Elements

Ions

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Multiple Choice

When an atom that has no charge loses two electrons, it becomes a:

neutral atom

anion with a 2- charge

cation with a 2+ charge

cation with a 2- charge

Verified step by step guidance

Recall that an atom is electrically neutral when it has an equal number of protons (positive charges) and electrons (negative charges).

When an atom loses electrons, it loses negative charges, so the overall charge becomes positive.

Specifically, if an atom loses two electrons, it loses two negative charges, resulting in a net charge of +2.

An ion with a positive charge is called a cation, so losing two electrons forms a cation with a 2+ charge.

Therefore, the correct description for an atom that loses two electrons is a cation with a 2+ charge.

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