Chapter 4, Problem 1E

Does a cation gain protons to form a positive charge or does it lose electrons?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether a cation acquires positive charge by gaining protons or losing electrons is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:In a neutral atom, there are same number of electron and same number of protons in the nucleus. Positive charge of protons gets neutralized by the negative charge of the electrons which results in a neutral atom. Positively charged ion is known as cation.

Answer to Problem 1E

The cation attains a positive charge by the loss of electrons.

Explanation of Solution

Atoms are neutral in charge because they contain equal number of negatively charged electrons revolving around the nucleus and positively charged protons in the nucleus.An atom loses or gains electrons to acquire more stable outermost shell electronic configuration or to form ions. If any atom gains electron, then the number of electrons in the atom becomes more than the number of protons, and as a result, atom acquires negative charge. If any atom donates electron, then the number of protons, i.e., positively charged particles becomes more than the negative charge in the atom and the atom acquires positive charge. Therefore, cations are positively charged because they loss electrons.

Conclusion

Cation loses electrons to form a positive charge.