Question

Identify a cation. Group of answer choices an atom that has lost a proton. an atom that has gained an electron an atom that has lost an electron an atom that has gained a proton.

Answer 1

Answer: An atom that has gained an electron.

Explanation:

The number of protons in an atom cannot change except for some exceptional circumstances.

Cations (or metal ions) are formed when atoms lose electrons, as they want to form a complete outer electron shell to become as stable as possible.

For example, potassium is a 1+ ion, because it has one electron in its outer shell (and in group one). Therefore, to become more stable that electron is lost to become an ion or cation. As one electron is lost, the potassium cation charge is 1+ as the charge of an electron is 1-.