Question

identifying cations
which of the following ions would be considered a cation?
an element with 5 protons, 2 electrons, and 5 neutrons
an element with 5 protons, 7 electrons, and 5 neutrons
an element with 5 protons, 5 electrons, and 7 neutrons
an element with 5 protons, 5 electrons, and 2 neutrons

Explanation:

Step1: Recall cation definition

A cation is a positively - charged ion, which means it has more protons than electrons.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: Protons = 5, Electrons = 2. Since 5>2, the ion has a net positive charge.
• Option 2: Protons = 5, Electrons = 7. Since 5<7, the ion has a net negative charge (an anion).
• Option 3: Protons = 5, Electrons = 5. The ion is neutral.
• Option 4: Protons = 5, Electrons = 5. The ion is neutral.

Answer:

An element with 5 protons, 2 electrons, and 5 neutrons