How do ions form?
from the gain of neutrons
from the gain or loss of protons
from the gain or loss of electrons
from the gain of protons
a?
Ions form from the gain or loss of electrons. An ion is an atom or molecule that has an unequal number of protons and electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.
To understand how ions form, let's consider the different ways an atom can gain or lose electrons:
1. Gain of electrons: An atom can become a negatively charged ion, known as an anion, by gaining one or more electrons. This occurs when the atom has a stronger attraction for electrons than the surrounding atoms or molecules. For example, chlorine (Cl) has 17 electrons. By gaining one electron, it achieves a stable electron configuration and becomes a chloride ion (Cl-).
2. Loss of electrons: Conversely, an atom can lose one or more electrons to become a positively charged ion, known as a cation. This happens when the atom has a weaker attraction for electrons compared to the surrounding atoms or molecules. For instance, sodium (Na) has 11 electrons. By losing one electron, it attains a stable electron configuration and becomes a sodium ion (Na+).
It's important to note that the gain or loss of electrons does not affect the number of neutrons in an atom. Neutrons are electrically neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom and do not contribute to the formation of ions.
To summarize, ions form from the gain or loss of electrons, resulting in an unequal number of protons and electrons, thus creating a net positive or negative charge.