Atoms and Ions: Cations and Anions Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What defines a cation?

It has a positive charge due to proton gain.

It has a positive charge due to electron loss. (correct)

It has a neutral charge with equal protons and electrons.

It has a negative charge due to electron gain.

What results in the formation of an anion?

The atom gains neutrons.

The atom loses protons.

The atom gains electrons. (correct)

The atom loses electrons.

Which of the following correctly describes an atom in a neutral state?

More protons than neutrons.

Equal numbers of protons and electrons. (correct)

More electrons than protons.

Equal numbers of protons and neutrons.

What is the primary structure of an atom responsible for its positive charge?

Protons in the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a cation-forming element?

Sodium (Na) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when an atom gains electrons?

It becomes an anion. Signup and view all the answers

What type of ion is formed by the loss of one or more electrons?

Cation Signup and view all the answers

Which subatomic particle is not charged?

Neutron Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method for cation formation?

Chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Why do ions have a net electrical charge?

They have unequal numbers of protons and electrons. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a sodium atom when it loses one electron?

It becomes a cation with a +1 charge. Signup and view all the answers

Which element commonly forms anions by gaining electrons?

Chlorine (Cl) Signup and view all the answers

What does the octet rule state about atom behavior?

Atoms aim to achieve a full outer electron shell of eight electrons. Signup and view all the answers

What is formed when a cation and an anion interact?

An ionic bond. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is typical of ionic compounds?

High melting and boiling points. Signup and view all the answers

Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when dissolved in water?

Ions are free to move in the solution. Signup and view all the answers

What charge does a chloride ion have after gaining one electron?

-1 charge. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cations is correct?

Cations have more protons than electrons. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ionic bonds?

They are strong electrostatic forces of attraction. Signup and view all the answers

Which ionic compound is commonly known as table salt?

Sodium chloride (NaCl) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cations and Anions

Cations are positively charged ions formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.
Anions are negatively charged ions formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.
The charge on an ion is determined by the imbalance between protons (positive) and electrons (negative).

Formation of Cations and Anions

Atoms are electrically neutral when they have an equal number of protons and electrons.
Cations form when atoms lose electrons due to chemical reactions, radiation, or electrical currents.
For example, Sodium (Na) loses one electron to become a sodium cation (Na⁺) with a +1 charge.
Anions form when an atom gains electrons due to chemical reactions or interactions with other charged particles.
For example, Chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to become a chloride anion (Cl⁻) with a -1 charge.

The Octet Rule

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell, typically containing eight electrons.
This configuration is energetically favorable and often observed in noble gases like neon and argon.
Atoms with fewer than four electrons in their outer shell tend to lose electrons to achieve a full outer shell, forming cations.
Atoms with more than four electrons in their outer shell tend to gain electrons to fill the shell, forming anions.

Ionic Bonds

Ionic bonds are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.
They typically form between metals (which tend to lose electrons and become cations) and non-metals (which tend to gain electrons and become anions).
Example: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound formed by the attraction between Na⁺ and Cl⁻.

Properties of Ionic Compounds

High Melting and Boiling Points due to strong ionic bonds.
Solubility in Water as ions separate and disperse in solution, making it conductive.
Electrical Conductivity when dissolved in water or melted, as ions are free to move.

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Description

Test your knowledge on cations and anions, including their formation and the octet rule. This quiz covers key concepts like how ions are formed and the significance of electron transfer. Perfect for students learning about atomic structure and chemical interactions.