How does an atom become a cation?

• A. By splitting into two smaller atoms
• B. By sharing electrons with another atom
• C. By gaining one or more electrons
• D. By losing one or more electrons

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an atom becomes a cation when it carries a positive charge.
2. Recall that the charge of an atom depends on the balance between protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge).
3. Recognize that losing one or more electrons reduces the negative charge, resulting in a net positive charge.
4. Therefore, an atom becomes a cation by losing one or more electrons, not by splitting, sharing, or gaining electrons.
5. This process is common in metals, which tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.