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Describe the difference between an element, ion, cation, and anion.

User Mr Stanev
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Final answer:

A cation forms when a neutral atom loses electrons, while an anion forms when a neutral atom gains electrons. forms when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons from its valence shell, and an anion (a negative ion) forms when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons in its valence shell.

Step-by-step explanation:

As you have learned, ions are atoms or molecules bearing an electrical charge. A cation (a positive ion) forms when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons from its valence shell, and an anion (a negative ion) forms when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons in its valence shell.

A cation forms when a neutral atom loses electrons, while an anion forms when a neutral atom gains electrons. forms when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons from its valence shell, and an anion (a negative ion) forms when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons in its valence shell.

User Altso
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