Ions are tiny, charged particles that form when atoms either gain or lose something called electrons. Atoms like to have a certain number of electrons to feel stable, kind of like how we feel safe when everything is in order. They often try to look like noble gases, which are the calm atoms on the periodic table.
Cations: These are formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. When this happens, the atom ends up with a positive charge. For example, when a sodium atom (Na) loses one electron, it turns into a sodium ion (Na⁺).
Anions: This is the opposite. An anion is formed when an atom gains electrons and ends up with a negative charge. For instance, when a chlorine atom (Cl) gains an electron, it becomes a chloride ion (Cl⁻).
Sodium (Na): When sodium loses an electron:
Na → Na⁺ + e⁻
Chlorine (Cl): When chlorine gains an electron:
Cl + e⁻ → Cl⁻
These ions can come together to create ionic compounds, like table salt (NaCl). This shows how cations and anions work together in balance.
Ions are tiny, charged particles that form when atoms either gain or lose something called electrons. Atoms like to have a certain number of electrons to feel stable, kind of like how we feel safe when everything is in order. They often try to look like noble gases, which are the calm atoms on the periodic table.
Cations: These are formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. When this happens, the atom ends up with a positive charge. For example, when a sodium atom (Na) loses one electron, it turns into a sodium ion (Na⁺).
Anions: This is the opposite. An anion is formed when an atom gains electrons and ends up with a negative charge. For instance, when a chlorine atom (Cl) gains an electron, it becomes a chloride ion (Cl⁻).
Sodium (Na): When sodium loses an electron:
Na → Na⁺ + e⁻
Chlorine (Cl): When chlorine gains an electron:
Cl + e⁻ → Cl⁻
These ions can come together to create ionic compounds, like table salt (NaCl). This shows how cations and anions work together in balance.