Which process leads to the formation of a positive ion?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Biochemistry & Nutrition

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Explanation

Atoms are electrically neutral in their ground state because they contain an equal number of positive protons and negative electrons.
A positive ion, or cation, is formed when a neutral atom loses one or more of its valence (outermost) electrons.
The loss of negatively charged electrons disrupts the balance, leaving more protons than electrons.
This imbalance results in a net positive charge for the atom.

Option A: Sharing of electrons between atoms results in the formation of covalent bonds, creating stable molecules, not ions.
Option B: The gain of one or more electrons by a neutral atom results in the formation of a negative ion, or an anion, because there are more electrons than protons.
Option C: Splitting of molecules is a process of decomposition or dissociation. While dissociation of some compounds in water can yield ions (e.g., NaCl splitting into Na⁺ and Cl⁻), the fundamental process of forming a positive ion from a single atom is the loss of an electron, not the splitting of a molecule.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration showing a neutral sodium (Na) atom with 11 protons and 11 electrons. An arrow indicates one electron leaving the atom, resulting in a sodium ion (Na⁺) with 11 protons and 10 electrons, giving it a +1 charge. A corresponding diagram could show a chlorine atom gaining an electron to become a chloride ion (Cl⁻).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Formation of Ions and Atomic Charge as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding ion formation is fundamental to grasping the concept of electrolytes, which are critical for bodily functions.
Positively charged ions (cations) like sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), and magnesium (Mg²⁺) are essential for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance.
A nurse must monitor electrolyte levels as imbalances can lead to serious conditions like cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or neurological changes.

How to Approach the Question

First, recall the basic structure of an atom: a nucleus with positive protons and neutral neutrons, surrounded by negative electrons.
Remember that a neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, so their charges cancel out.
The question asks how a positive ion is formed. To become positive, the atom must have more positive charges than negative charges.
Consider the options: Protons are fixed in the nucleus during chemical reactions, so only electrons can be gained, lost, or shared.
Losing a negative electron will leave an excess of positive protons, resulting in a positive ion. Gaining an electron would make it negative. Sharing electrons forms a different type of bond (covalent).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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