Name That Ion!

Front

What is an ion?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean for an atom to form a positive ion?

Back

A positive ion, or cation, is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge.

Front

What does it mean for an atom to form a negative ion?

Back

A negative ion, or anion, is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, resulting in a net negative charge.

Front

What is the charge of a sodium ion (Na+)?

Back

The charge of a sodium ion (Na+) is +1, as it loses one electron.

Front

What is the charge of a chloride ion (Cl-)?

Back

The charge of a chloride ion (Cl-) is -1, as it gains one electron.

Front

How do you determine the charge of an ion formed by a main group element?

Back

The charge can often be determined by the number of electrons an atom needs to gain or lose to achieve a full outer shell, typically 8 electrons.

Front

What ion will magnesium (Mg) form?

Back

Magnesium (Mg) will form a 2+ ion (Mg2+) by losing two electrons.

Front

What ion will aluminum (Al) form?

Back

Aluminum (Al) will form a 3+ ion (Al3+) by losing three electrons.

Front

What ion will oxygen (O) form?

Back

Oxygen (O) will form a 2- ion (O2-) by gaining two electrons.

Front

What ion will sulfur (S) form?

Back

Sulfur (S) will form a 2- ion (S2-) by gaining two electrons.