Question

how does the number of protons compare to the number of electrons in a cation?
a there is no consistent relationship between the numbers of protons and electrons.
b there are more protons than electrons.
c there are equal numbers of protons and electrons.
d there are more electrons than protons.

Explanation:

A cation is a positively - charged ion. Protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged. For an ion to be positively charged, the positive charge from protons must outweigh the negative charge from electrons. This means that the number of protons (positive charges) must be greater than the number of electrons (negative charges). Option a is incorrect as there is a consistent relationship. Option c is for neutral atoms (where proton and electron numbers are equal). Option d is for anions (negatively - charged ions, where there are more electrons than protons).

Answer:

b. There are more protons than electrons.