Question

Describe the formation of an ion or cation by the following elements. sulfur , chlorine , nitrogen , magnesium , lithium.

Answer 1

A cation has more protons than electrons, consequently giving it a net positive charge. For a cation to form, one or more electrons must be lost, typically pulled away by atoms with a stronger affinity for them. The number of electrons lost, and so the charge of the ion, is indicated after the chemical symbol, e.g. silver (Ag) loses one electron to become Ag+, whilst zinc (Zn) loses two electrons to become Zn2+.Mg and Li forms cations and S Cl and N3 forms anions.