What occurs to an atom that has a positive charge?

Rationale

An atom with a positive charge has lost an electron.

When an atom loses one or more electrons, it has a net positive charge because the number of protons, which are positively charged, exceeds the number of negatively charged electrons. This imbalance results in a positively charged ion, known as a cation.

A (Gained an electron.) YOUR ANSWER

If an atom gains an electron, it becomes negatively charged because the total number of negative charges (electrons) exceeds the positive charges (protons). This process results in the formation of an anion, not a positively charged atom.

B (Lost an electron.) CORRECT

An atom that has lost an electron has fewer negative charges than positive charges, thus creating a positive charge. This is the defining characteristic of cations, which are formed during ionization processes when electrons are removed from neutral atoms.

C (Gained a proton.) YOUR ANSWER

Gaining a proton would increase the positive charge of the atom, resulting in a different element entirely since the number of protons determines the atomic identity. Therefore, gaining a proton does not simply create a positively charged atom; it changes its elemental identity.

D (Lost a proton.) YOUR ANSWER

Losing a proton would decrease the positive charge and also change the atom into a different element, similar to gaining a proton. Thus, this action does not lead to a positively charged atom but rather to a neutral or negatively charged entity, depending on the remaining protons and electrons.

Conclusion

An atom becomes positively charged primarily by losing electrons, leading to an imbalance where protons outnumber electrons. This fundamental principle underlies the behavior of ions and is critical in understanding chemical reactions, conductivity, and bonding in various materials. The other choices involve processes that either change the elemental identity or result in negative charges, confirming that loss of electrons is the sole mechanism for achieving a positive charge.

What occurs to an atom that has a positive charge?

An atom with a positive charge has lost an electron.

Related Questions

Related Quizzes

How familiar were you with this question?

Report an Issue

Rate this Practice Test