Ions Flashcards
What are ions?
an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
How do atoms form ions?
They lose or gain electrons to get a full outer shell so they have a stable electronic structure.
What is an anion?
A negative ion that forms when atoms gain electrons
What is a cation?
A positive ion that forms when atoms lose electrons
How is the charge shown on an ion?
The number of electrons lost or gained is the same as the charge on the ion. Eg if 2 electrons are lost the charge is 2+. If 2 electrons are gained the charge is 2-
Which groups of the periodic table are most likely to form ions?
Group 1 + 2 are metals that lose electrons to form positive ions.
Group 6 + 7 are non metals that gain electrons to form negative ions
What is the overall charge of any ionic compound?
Zero so all the negative charges in the compound must balance all the positive charges.
