Multiple Choice
How does an atom become a cation?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following best describes a cation?
A
An ion with a negative charge
B
An ion with a positive charge
C
A neutral atom
D
A molecule with no net charge
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge.
Understand 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.
Conversely, when an atom gains electrons, it has more electrons than protons, resulting in a negative charge; this negatively charged ion is called an anion.
A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, so it has no net charge and is not considered an ion.
Therefore, the best description of a cation is 'an ion with a positive charge.'
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