1- Atoms and Ions

Atoms and Ions

Q: What is an atom?

A: An electrically neutral particle with an equal number of protons and electrons.

Q: What is an ion?

A: An atom that has become charged by gaining or losing electrons.

Q: What is a cation?

A: A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Q: What is an anion?

A: A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Q: How does sodium (Na) achieve stability?

A: Sodium loses one electron, forming a cation with a charge of +1.

Q: How does fluorine (F) achieve stability?

A: Fluorine gains one electron, forming an anion with a charge of -1.

Q: What does the ionic charge of an element indicate?

A: The ionic charge indicates how many electrons the element has gained or lost to achieve stability.

Q: What are Lewis dot diagrams used for?

A: Lewis dot diagrams represent the valence electrons of an element and the ionic charge when it forms an ion.

Q: How do elements in the same group behave in terms of ion formation?

A: Elements in the same group tend to gain or lose the same number of electrons to achieve a stable configuration.

Q: What makes an atom stable?

A: When its outermost shell is complete with electrons.

Q: How many electrons does calcium (Ca) lose to become stable? What is its charge?

A: Calcium loses 2 electrons to become stable, forming a cation with a charge of +2.

Q: How many electrons does oxygen (O) gain to become stable? What is its charge?

A: Oxygen gains 2 electrons to become stable, forming an anion with a charge of -2.

Q: Why do atoms form ions?

A: To achieve a more stable electronic configuration.