Chemistry terms Flashcards
Define an ion
an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons.
Ions are formed through chemical bonds, list the chemical bonds
Covalent bond
Ionic bond
Metallic bond
Hydrogen bond
Explain covalent bonds
A covalent bond is when two different atoms don’t have complete shells, and as a result bond together through sharing an electron to complete both their shells.
Explain ionic bonds
An Ionic bond is when two atoms meet, and one donates an extra electron to the other which has not enough electrons for a full shell.
For example a sodium atom has one extra electron in its outer shell, whilst a chlorine atom is lacking an atom in its outer shell. The sodium atom donates its electron to the chlorine atom to complete both atom’s electron shells.
The two atoms are now bonded together forming an ion.
Define a cation
A cation is when an ion loses an electron(oxidation) and achieves a positive charge (as there is less negatively charged particles/electrons)
Define anion
An anion is when an ion gains an electron(Reduction) and gains a negative charge (as there is more negatively charged particles)
Define a molecule
A Molecule is a neutrally charged particle made up of two or more atoms bonded together.
