Formation Of Ions

Question 1

Which groups from the periodic table of elements are the most likely to form ions

Answer 1

The elements that most readily form ions are those in groups 1,2,6 and 7.
- elements from groups 1 and 2 are metals and they lose electrons to form positive ions (cations)
- group 6 and 7 elements are non metals and they gain electrons to form ions (anions)
Tips: just look at the periodic table to find what ions most elements form. Elements in the same group all have the same number of outer electrons, so they have to lose or gain the same number to get a full outer shell, and this means that they form ions with the same charges.