Humber Admissions Practice Test

Which process leads to the formation of cations?

1. Gaining electrons

2. Losing electrons

3. Sharing electrons

4. Combining ions

The correct answer is: Losing electrons

The process leading to the formation of cations is characterized by the loss of electrons. When an atom loses one or more electrons, it results in a net positive charge because the number of positively charged protons in the nucleus exceeds the number of negatively charged electrons surrounding it. This imbalance creates a cation, which is defined as a positively charged ion. Understanding why this is the correct answer involves recognizing how ions are formed in general. While ions can be created through various interactions, cations specifically emerge from the loss of electrons, which distinguishes them from anions, which are formed when electrons are gained. Sharing electrons typically occurs in covalent bonding, where no charged ions are produced; instead, neutral molecules are formed. Similarly, combining ions involves the interaction of already charged species but does not specifically relate to the generation of cations. This clarifies why the correct option directly pertains to the process of losing electrons.