Question

what type of ion forms when a nonmetal gains electrons?
positive ion
cation
neutral atom
negative ion

Explanation:

To determine the type of ion formed when a nonmetal gains electrons, we recall the basic principles of ion formation:

• An atom is neutral when the number of protons (positive charge) equals the number of electrons (negative charge).
• When an atom gains electrons, the number of electrons (negative charges) becomes greater than the number of protons (positive charges). This results in a net negative charge.
• Nonmetals typically have a tendency to gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
• Ions with a negative charge are called anions (or negative ions), while ions with a positive charge (formed by losing electrons, common in metals) are called cations (or positive ions). A neutral atom has no net charge as the number of electrons and protons are equal.

So, when a nonmetal gains electrons, it forms a negative ion (anion).

Answer:

D. Negative ion (assuming the options are labeled as A: Positive ion, B: Cation, C: Neutral atom, D: Negative ion; if the red option is labeled as D or is the fourth option, the correct one is the red - colored "Negative ion" option)