For an oxygen atom to become positively charged, it must lose one or more of its electrons. Atoms are neutral when they have an equal number of protons (which are positively charged) and electrons (which are negatively charged).
Here's a step-by-step explanation:
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Electron Removal: To create a positive charge, you need to remove electrons from the atom. Since electrons are negatively charged, their removal will leave the atom with a net positive charge.
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Ions: When an atom loses one or more electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion, known as a cation. For oxygen, losing one electron would result in a \( \text{O}^+ \) ion, while losing two electrons would result in a \( \text{O}^{2+} \) ion.
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Energy Input: The process of removing electrons requires energy. This energy can come from various sources, including heat, light, or chemical reactions, depending on the specific circumstances.
In summary, for an oxygen atom to become positively charged, it must lose one or more electrons, resulting in the formation of a cation.