IONS
Neutral Atoms: Review Neutral Atoms have the same number of PROTONS and ELECTRONS. Protons have a POSITIVE charge. + Electrons have a NEGATIVE charge. -
What is an ION? IONS- Atoms that have LOST or GAINED electrons.
ANION: A negative ion. Name now ends in IDE.
CATION: A POSITIVE ion. Name remains the same.
Why do atoms gain or lose electrons? To have a FULL outer shell. When atoms have a full (8 electrons) outer shell, the atom has a STABLE electron configuration.
GAIN OR LOSE? If an atom has 5, 6, or 7 electrons it will GAIN (steel) electrons in order to have 8 electrons in its outer shell (ring).
When an atom gains electrons it now has more “-” or negative charges and it becomes NEGATIVE.
GAIN OR LOSE? If an atom has 1, 2 or 3 electrons it will LOSE (give) electrons in order to have 8 electrons in its “new” outer shell.
When an atom loses electrons it now has more “+” or positive charges, so it becomes POSITIVE.