Question

When an atom loses electrons, it is called a (an) ________ and has a ____ charge

Answer 1

When an atom loses electrons, it is called a (an) _____cation___ and has a _positive___ charge.

• An atom can accept or donate its electrons.
• If an atom accepts electrons then it becomes electron-rich species that are negatively charged species and called an anion.
• If an atom loses its electrons then it becomes electron-deficient species that are positively charged species and called a cation.
• Thus when an atom loses electrons, it is called a (an) _____cation___ and has a _positive___ charge.

Answer 2

When an atom loses electrons, it is called a Cation and has a positive charge.

What are cations and anions?

• Cations are positively charged ions. They are formed when a metal loses its electrons. They lose electron but do not lose any protons. As a result, they possess a net positive charge. Some examples of cations are Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$), Hydrogen ($H^{+}$), Sodium ($Na^{+}$)

• Anions are negatively charged ions and are formed when non-metal gains the electrons. They gain one or more than one electron but protons remain the same. As a result, they possess a net negative charge. Some examples of anions are Iodide ($I^{-}$), hydroxide ($OH^{-}$).