Which two particles would be attracted to each other due to opposite charges?

• A. Na^+ and Cl^-
• B. Na^+ and K^+
• C. K^+ and Mg^2+
• D. Cl^- and O^2-

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that particles with opposite electric charges attract each other, while particles with the same charge repel each other.
2. Identify the charge on each particle: Na^+ (sodium ion) has a positive charge, Cl^- (chloride ion) has a negative charge, K^+ (potassium ion) has a positive charge, Mg^{2+} (magnesium ion) has a positive charge, and O^{2-} (oxide ion) has a negative charge.
3. Compare the charges of each pair given in the options to determine if they have opposite charges (one positive and one negative).
4. Recognize that Na^+ and Cl^- have opposite charges (positive and negative), so they will attract each other.
5. Note that pairs like Na^+ and K^+, K^+ and Mg^{2+}, and Cl^- and O^{2-} have the same type of charge (both positive or both negative) and therefore repel each other.