Ions

Today, we learnt about ions and how they are formed.

3 Thoughts:
1) An ion is formed when an atom loses of gains electrons. Hence, in an ion, there is an imbalance in the number of protons and electrons.
2) A neutral atom can gain or lose electrons through chemical reaction. When an atom loses electrons, it will be positively charged, also known as cations. When an atom gains electrons, it will be negatively charged, called anions. Elements in the same group of periodic table will form ions of the same charge.
3) Atoms of metals tend to lose electrons while atoms of non-metals tend to gain electrons. Atoms form ions so as to achieve a noble gas (duplet or octet) structure.

2 Questions:
1) Will an atom lose or gain too much electrons?
2) Will there be a case where atoms of metals gain electrons?

1 Useful application:
1) When we know more about ions, we will be able to know what chemical changes/properties the elements are undergoing/have.

(Example of how atoms lose or gain electrons)

Sources: Google Images