Humber Admissions Practice Test

What occurs between anions and cations?

1. They repel each other

2. They do not interact

3. They attract each other

4. They form neutral ions

The correct answer is: They attract each other

When discussing the interaction between anions and cations, it is important to understand the nature of their charges. Anions carry a negative charge due to the addition of electrons, while cations carry a positive charge due to the loss of electrons. The fundamental principle in electrostatics is that opposite charges attract each other. This means that anions and cations will naturally draw towards one another, resulting in an attractive force between them. This attraction is a key factor in the formation of ionic compounds, which are formed when cations and anions combine. The balance between the charges allows for a stable compound to create as the opposing forces help maintain the integrity of the compound. The other options suggest either repulsion, no interaction, or the formation of neutral ions, which do not accurately reflect the behavior observed between anions and cations. Understanding their attractive relationship is crucial in chemistry, especially when studying ionic bonds and how they contribute to the formation of various substances.