Q
QuestionChemistry

"Positive ions differ from neutral atoms in that: A) Positive ions have lost protons. B) Positive ions have gained protons. C) Positive ions have lost electrons. D) Positive ions have gained electrons."
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Answer

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Step 1:
: Identify what positive ions and neutral atoms are.

A neutral atom is an atom that has an equal number of protons and electrons. A positive ion, on the other hand, is an atom that has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge.

Step 2:
: Analyze the given options.

Option A: Positive ions have lost protons. This statement is incorrect because the loss of protons would result in a different element formation, not a positive ion. Option B: Positive ions have gained protons. This statement is incorrect because gaining protons would result in a different element formation, not a positive ion. Option C: Positive ions have lost electrons. This statement is correct. Positive ions are formed when atoms lose one or more electrons. Option D: Positive ions have gained electrons. This statement is incorrect because gaining electrons would result in a negative charge, not a positive one.

Step 3:
: Select the correct answer.

Final Answer

The correct answer is option C: Positive ions have lost electrons.