Predicting Charges of Ions

Vocabulary flashcards covering ion definition, cations, anions, periodic group trends, naming rules, and specific ion examples.

Ion

An electrically charged particle formed when neutral atoms gain or lose electrons during chemical reactions.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in more protons than electrons (e.g., $Na^+$ or $Ca^{2+}$).

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, resulting in more electrons than protons (e.g., $Br^-$).

Alkali Metal Ion Formation

Elements in Group 1 that lose one electron to form cations with a $1+$ charge, attaining the same number of electrons as the preceding noble gas.

Alkaline Earth Metal Ion Formation

Elements in Group 2 that lose two electrons to form cations with a $2+$ charge, attaining the same number of electrons as the preceding noble gas.

Group 17 Anion Formation

Nonmetal elements in Group 17 that gain one electron to form anions with a $1-$ charge, attaining the same number of electrons as the next noble gas.

Group 16 Anion Formation

Nonmetal elements in Group 16 that gain two electrons to form anions with a $2-$ charge, attaining the same number of electrons as the next noble gas.

Transition Metal Charges

Variable ionic charges exhibited by transition metals and some other metals that cannot be predicted by location on the periodic table (e.g., copper forming $1+$ or $2+$ ions, iron forming $2+$ or $3+$ ions).

Metal Ion Naming Convention

The rule stating that the name of a monatomic metal cation is identical to the name of the neutral metal atom from which it forms (e.g., $Ca^{2+}$ is called a calcium ion).

Magnesium Ion

A cation with the symbol $Mg^{2+}$ formed when a Group 2 magnesium atom loses two electrons to match the electron count of neon.

Nitride Ion

An anion with the symbol $N^{3-}$ formed when a Group 15 nitrogen atom gains three electrons to match the electron count of neon.

Aluminum Cation

A cation with the symbol $Al^{3+}$ formed when an aluminum atom with 13 protons loses 3 electrons, leaving it with 10 electrons.