Multiple Choice
How do cations form?
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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How does sodium become a positively charged ion and chlorine become a negatively charged ion?
A
Both sodium and chlorine gain electrons.
B
Sodium gains an electron and chlorine loses an electron.
C
Both sodium and chlorine lose electrons.
D
Sodium loses an electron and chlorine gains an electron.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of ions: Atoms become ions by gaining or losing electrons. A positively charged ion (cation) is formed when an atom loses electrons, while a negatively charged ion (anion) is formed when an atom gains electrons.
Identify the electron configuration of sodium (Na): Sodium has an atomic number of 11, which means it has 11 electrons. Its electron configuration is \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1\).
Determine how sodium becomes a cation: Sodium can achieve a stable electron configuration by losing one electron from its outermost shell (3s orbital), resulting in \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6\), which is the electron configuration of neon, a noble gas. This loss of an electron results in a \(Na^+\) ion.
Identify the electron configuration of chlorine (Cl): Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, which means it has 17 electrons. Its electron configuration is \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^5\).
Determine how chlorine becomes an anion: Chlorine can achieve a stable electron configuration by gaining one electron to fill its outermost shell (3p orbital), resulting in \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6\), which is the electron configuration of argon, a noble gas. This gain of an electron results in a \(Cl^-\) ion.
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