Formation of Ions

When are ions formed?

When electrons are transferred

What are ions?

charged particles - single or groups of atoms

Why does the atom lose/gain electrons?

To get a full outer shell

What happens when a metal loses an electron?

It forms a positive ion.

What happens when non-metals gain an electron?

It forms a negative ion

What does the number of electrons transferred mean?

The number of electrons lost/gained will be the charge of the ion (lost = positive, gained = negative)

Which groups of the periodic table are most likely to form ions?

1, 2, 6 and 7

Why are groups 1,2,6 and seven more likely to form ions?

Gaining or losing electrons requires energy. An atom that needs to lose/gain two electrons to get a full outer shell will be more likely to form and ion because it requires less energy.