Question

multiple-choice question
after giving an electron to more electronegative (electron desiring) chlorine, sodium is now a(n)
□ cation (positive)
□ anion (negative)
□ neutral atom (no charge)
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Explanation:

An atom's charge depends on electron - proton balance. Sodium (Na) has 11 protons and 11 electrons in its neutral state. When it gives an electron to chlorine, it loses one negative - charged electron. Now, the number of protons (11, positive charge) is one more than the number of electrons (10, negative charge). A cation is a positively charged ion, formed when an atom loses electrons. An anion is negatively charged (formed by gaining electrons), and a neutral atom has equal protons and electrons. So sodium, after losing an electron, becomes a cation.

Answer:

A. cation (positive)