Understand Ion Formation and Valence Electrons

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 are valence electrons?

Back

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in forming bonds.

Front

How does a positive ion form?

Back

A positive ion forms when an atom loses one or more valence electrons.

Front

How does a negative ion form?

Back

A negative ion forms when an atom gains one or more valence electrons.

Front

What is the octet rule?

Back

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full outer shell of eight electrons.

Front

What number of valence electrons makes a non-metal ion stable?

Back

8 valence electrons make a non-metal ion stable.

Front

How many electrons does a Li+ ion have?

Back

A Li+ ion has 2 electrons.

Front

What happens to metals when they become ions?

Back

Metals lose electrons when they become ions.

Front

What type of ions do metals typically form?

Back

Metals typically form positively charged cations.

Front

What type of ions do non-metals typically form?

Back

Non-metals typically form negatively charged anions.