GCSE Chemistry - Formation of Ions #13

The video explains why some atoms form ions more readily than others, focusing on the role of electron gain or loss in achieving a full outer shell for stability. It highlights how the periodic table's group numbers indicate the number of electrons in the outer shell, affecting the energy required for ion formation. Group 1 and 2 elements easily form ions due to minimal electron transfer, while groups 3-5 rarely form ions due to high energy demands. The video also demonstrates writing chemical equations for ion formation, using examples like sodium, chlorine, magnesium, and oxygen.

Describe how to write a chemical equation for the formation of a sodium ion.

What happens when oxygen gains two electrons, and how would you represent this in a chemical equation?