Question

what is the difference between an anion and a cation?
○ an anion has a positive charge whereas a cation has a negative charge
○ an anion has no charge whereas a cation has a positive charge
○ an anion has a negative charge whereas a cation has no charge
○ an anion has a negative charge whereas a cation has a positive charge

Explanation:

To determine the correct option, we recall the definitions of anion and cation. An anion is an ion with a negative charge (formed by gaining electrons), and a cation is an ion with a positive charge (formed by losing electrons). Let's analyze each option:

• First option: Incorrect, as it swaps the charges of anion and cation.
• Second option: Incorrect, as an anion has a charge (negative) and a cation has a positive charge, not no charge.
• Third option: Incorrect, as a cation has a positive charge, not no charge.
• Fourth option: Correct, as it matches the definitions of anion (negative charge) and cation (positive charge).

Answer:

D. an anion has a negative charge whereas a cation has a positive charge (assuming the last option is labeled D; if the options are labeled differently, adjust the label accordingly, e.g., if the last option is A, B, C, or D based on the original numbering, but in the given options, the last one is the correct one with the label corresponding to its position, likely D if the options are numbered 1 - 4 as per the circles, but the key is the text: "an anion has a negative charge whereas a cation has a positive charge")