1. Neutral- Describes atoms with the same # of protons and electrons All atoms are neutral until they lose or gain an electron ALL ATOMS WANT TO BE STABLE by having 8 valence electrons or a completely filled energy level

2. When an atom loses an electron, it loses a negative charge and becomes + When an atom gains an electron, it gains a negative charge and becomes – Or

3. ElementValence Electron # Lose or Gain electrons? Lithium1 Magnesium2 Oxygen6 Bromine7

4. Practice Fluorine has 7 valence electrons It gains 1 electron to become stable Now it has a negative charge & is a negative ion F  F -

5. More Practice Sodium has 1 valence electron It loses 1 electron to become stable Now it has a positive charge & is a positive ion Na  Na +

6. All ions with a + charge LOST electron(s) All ions with a – charge GAINED electron(s)