formation of ions

Question 1

what are ions?

Answer 1

they are charged particles- can be single atoms or a group of them.
-when they lose or gain electrons to form ions, trying to get a full outer shell like a noble gas. atoms with full outer shell are very stable.
-when metals form ions, they lose electrons from their outer shell to form positive ions.
-when NON- metals form ions, they GAIN electrons from their outer shell to form NEGATIVE ions.
-number of electrons lost or gained is the same as the charge on the ion.
-e.g if 2 electrons are LOST, the charge is 2+.
if 3 are GAINED, the charge is 3-.

Question 2

which groups are most likely to form ions?

Answer 2

groups 1,2,6 and 7

• group 1 and 2 elements are metals and they lose electrons to form positive ions (cations)
• group 6 and 7 are non-metals and gain electrons to form negative ions (anions).
• group 1 form 1+
• group 2 form 2+
• group 6 form 2-
• group 7 form 1-