A2 Ions and Oxidation State

Ions and Oxidation State (Ion Charge)

1. What is an ion?

• An ion is an atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

2. How are ions formed?

• Ions are formed when atoms lose or gain electrons, leading to a positive or negative charge.

3. What are valence electrons?

• Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. They are involved in the formation of chemical bonds.

4. What is the octet rule?

• The octet rule states that atoms tend to bond in such a way that they have eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electronic configuration similar to that of noble gases.

5. Which electrons are lost or gained when forming an ion?

• Typically, the valence electrons are lost or gained when forming an ion. Metals tend to lose electrons, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons.

6. What is a cation?

• A cation is a positively charged ion that is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

7. What is an anion?

• An anion is a negatively charged ion that is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

8. Metals tend to __________________ forming ____________.

• Metals tend to lose electrons, forming cations.

9. Nonmetals tend to _________________ forming ____________.

• Nonmetals tend to gain electrons, forming anions.

10. Complete the Table