Question

An atom that loses electrons becomes a positively-charged ion called

• A. cation
• B. anion
• C. ion
• D. all of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A

cation

The explanation for the correct answer

(a) cation

When an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion and it is called a cation. Example: In a compound, $\mathrm{NaCl}$.

$\mathrm{Na}$ loses 1 electron to attain stable electronic configuration and it becomes${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$.

The explanation for the incorrect answer

(b) anion

When an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion and it is called an anion. Example: In a compound, $\mathrm{NaCl}$

$\mathrm{Cl}$ gains 1 electron to attain stable electronic configuration and it becomes${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$.

(c) ion

An ion is a positively or negatively charged atom or group or atom. For Example, Sodium-ion,Magnesium ion,magnesium ion,chloride ion,oxide ion

Therefore, an atom that loses electrons becomes a positively-charged ion called a cation.