How is a positive ion formed?

How is a positive ion formed?

• A. An atom gains one or more electrons
• B. An atom loses one or more electrons
• C. The nucleus changes charge by beta decay
• D. Protons are captured

Answer: (B)

Forming a positive ion happens when an atom loses electrons. With fewer electrons than protons, the atom ends up with a net positive charge. The nucleus stays the same; the change comes from the electron count, so removing electrons creates a cation. Gaining electrons would produce a negative ion, and changes to the nucleus (like beta decay or proton capture) are nuclear processes, not the usual way ions form.

Forming a positive ion happens when an atom loses electrons. With fewer electrons than protons, the atom ends up with a net positive charge. The nucleus stays the same; the change comes from the electron count, so removing electrons creates a cation. Gaining electrons would produce a negative ion, and changes to the nucleus (like beta decay or proton capture) are nuclear processes, not the usual way ions form.