What occurs when an atom loses an electron?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the consequences of an atom losing an electron, which typically involves the concept of ionization. When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (cation) and this can affect its chemical properties and reactivity.
Answer
The atom becomes a positive ion.
The atom becomes a positive ion.
Answer for screen readers
The atom becomes a positive ion.
More Information
When an atom loses an electron, it becomes positively charged because it now has more protons than electrons. This positive ion is known as a cation.
Tips
One common mistake is to assume the atom remains neutral. Instead, removing negatively charged electrons leaves the atom positively charged.
Sources
- What occurs when an atom loses an electron? - ACS - acs.org
- What happens when an atom loses an electron? - Socratic - socratic.org
- 3.1.5: Ions - Losing and Gaining Electrons - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
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