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Multiple Choice
If oxygen has 9 electrons it will be a ______________________:
A
Negatively charged cation.
B
Negatively charged anion.
C
Positively charged cation
D
Positively charged anion
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the basic concept of ions. An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Recall that oxygen normally has 8 electrons and 8 protons, making it electrically neutral. If it gains an extra electron, it will have 9 electrons and 8 protons.
Determine the charge of the ion. Since electrons are negatively charged, gaining an extra electron results in a net negative charge.
Identify the type of ion based on its charge. A negatively charged ion is known as an anion.
Conclude that if oxygen has 9 electrons, it becomes a negatively charged anion, as it has more electrons than protons.