Multiple Choice
What happens to an atom when it loses an electron?
2
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which process leads an atom to become an anion?
A
By gaining one or more protons
B
By losing one or more neutrons
C
By gaining one or more electrons
D
By losing one or more electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an atom becomes an ion when it gains or loses electrons, which changes its overall charge.
Recall that protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus and do not move during ion formation, so gaining protons does not create an anion.
Recognize that neutrons are neutral particles in the nucleus and their loss or gain does not affect the charge of the atom, so losing neutrons does not form an anion.
Know that electrons are negatively charged particles surrounding the nucleus, and gaining electrons increases the negative charge, resulting in an anion.
Therefore, the process that leads an atom to become an anion is by gaining one or more electrons.
Related Videos
Related Practice
