Which of the following statements is always true about an anion?

• A. Has a positive charge
• B. Is always a metal
• C. Is formed by losing electrons
• D. Has more electrons than protons

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of an anion: an anion is an ion that carries a negative charge.
2. Understand that an ion's charge depends on the balance between the number of protons (positive charges) and electrons (negative charges).
3. Since an anion is negatively charged, it must have more electrons than protons, which means it gains electrons rather than losing them.
4. Recognize that anions are typically nonmetals or derived from nonmetals, not metals, because metals tend to form cations (positive ions).
5. Therefore, the statement 'Has more electrons than protons' is always true for an anion, while the other options are incorrect.