Introduction to Ions
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Introduction to Ions
What makes an ion?
An atom has equal numbers of protons and electrons when it is neutral. Protons have a positive charge and electrons have a negative charge. When an atom loses electrons, it forms a positive ion; when it gains electrons, it forms a negative ion.
- It becomes a negative ion called an anion.
- It becomes a positive ion called a cation.
- It remains neutral because electrons have no charge.
- It becomes a positive ion called an anion.
Predicting ion charges
For these questions, use the usual ions formed by main-group elements: metals lose electrons and non-metals gain electrons to achieve a full outer shell.
- A Group 1 metal usually forms a 1+ ion.
- A Group 2 metal usually forms a 2− ion.
- A Group 6 non-metal usually forms a 2− ion.
- A Group 7 non-metal usually forms a 1+ ion.
- Calcium (Ca)
- Bromine (Br)
- Aluminium (Al)
- Sulfur (S)
- S²⁻
- Ca²⁺
- Br⁻
- Al³⁺
Apply the idea
Ions can combine in compounds. Overall, an ionic compound has no net charge: positive and negative charges balance.
3 printable pages
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