Atoms to Ions

Atoms to Ions

1. Why?

   • Atoms are electrically neutral because the postive nucleus balances out with the negative surrounding electrons. Protons = Electrons.
     • During chemical reactions an atom can gain or lose electrons. Due to the change the atom will become a negatively or positively charged ion
       • Positive = Losing one or more electrons Negative = Gaining one or more electrons

2. If an atom loses one electron it will get a 1+ charge on it. If it loses two electrons the charge will be 2+ etc.

3. If an atom gains an electron it will get a 1- charge on it. If it gains two electrons the charge will be 2- etc.

4. Here Sodium has a positive charge. From this we know that the Sodium atom has lost 1 electron to get a 1+ charge.

   • All that has changed is the number of electrons. NOTHING else.

5. When changing to ions atom's will lose/gain electrons in order to form the 'perfect' outer shell.

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