Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true regarding cations?

1. They are formed by gaining electrons

2. They are typically non-metallic ions

3. They are positively charged ions formed by losing electrons

4. They have a neutral charge

The correct answer is: They are positively charged ions formed by losing electrons

Cations are defined as positively charged ions that are formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. This loss of negatively charged electrons results in an overall positive charge due to the remaining positive protons in the nucleus outnumbering the electrons. This characteristic is central to understanding how cations behave in chemical reactions, as they tend to be attracted to negatively charged ions, or anions, to form ionic compounds. In contrast to this, other statements about cations contain inaccuracies. The statement about cations being formed by gaining electrons is incorrect because gaining electrons leads to the formation of anions, which are negatively charged ions. The assertion that cations are typically non-metallic ions is misleading as many cations are actually derived from metals, especially in the case of alkali and alkaline earth metals, which readily lose electrons to form cations. Lastly, the notion that cations have a neutral charge contradicts the fundamental definition of cations since their positive charge classification is a key feature of these ions.