Understanding Cations: What Happens When an Atom Loses an Electron?

What happens to an atom with 3 protons that loses an electron?

a. A positively charged ion
b. A negatively charged ion
c. An isotope
d. A neutron

Answer:

An atom with 3 protons that loses an electron becomes a positively charged ion, known as a cation.

When an atom with 3 protons loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion, known as a cation. This is because the loss of an electron results in more protons (positively charged particles) than electrons (negatively charged particles) in the atom, leading to a net positive charge.

Atoms such as sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) demonstrate this behavior when they lose electrons and become Na+ and Ca2+, respectively. Cations play an important role in chemical reactions and the formation of compounds.