ion formation

Question 1

what is a ion

Answer 1

An ion is a charged particle that forms when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons. Atoms are typically neutral, meaning they have an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged). However, when an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion with a positive or negative charge.

Question 2

Cation

Answer 2

A positively charged ion (formed when an atom loses one or more electrons).

Question 3

Anion

Answer 3

A negatively charged ion (formed when an atom gains one or more electrons).

Question 4

How Ions are Formed

Answer 4

Electron Loss (Formation of Cations)
When an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positive ion (cation).
Since electrons are negatively charged, losing them results in a net positive charge.
This often happens with metals, which have fewer electrons in their outermost shell and can easily lose them to achieve a stable electron configuration.

Question 4

The Octet Rule

Answer 4

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to have 8 electrons in their outermost shell, achieving the same electron configuration as a noble gas (which is stable).

Question 4

Metals

Answer 4

Metals typically lose electrons to form positive ions (cations) with a stable configuration.

Question 5

Non-metals

Answer 5

Non-metals usually gain electrons to form negative ions (anions) that follow the octet rule