Which of the following is true of a charged atom?

Question

Question 19 options:

A)

It has become an ion with an unequal number of protons and electrons.

B)

The magnitude of the negative charge is equal to the magnitude of the positive charge.

C)

When an atom gains an electron, it becomes a cation, which is positively charged.

D)

When an atom loses an electron, it becomes an anion, which is negatively charged.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

A) It has become an ion with an unequal number of protons and electrons.

Explanation of the other options:

B) The magnitude of the negative charge is equal to the magnitude of the positive charge. — This statement is true for a neutral atom, not a charged atom.

C) When an atom gains an electron, it becomes a cation, which is positively charged. — This is incorrect. When an atom gains an electron, it becomes an anion, which is negatively charged.

D) When an atom loses an electron, it becomes an anion, which is negatively charged. — This is also incorrect. When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a cation, which is positively charged.