2006-06-09 14:24:35 · 3 answers · asked by jenny 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Positive ions (Cation) are formed by a neutral atom losing electron(s), and Negative ions (Anion) are formed by atom gaining electron(s).
The exact number of electrons an atom gains or loses are predictable. Atoms gain or lose electrons so that they turn isoelectric with the closest neighboring Noble Gas.
2006-06-09 23:15:59 · answer #1 · answered by †ђ!ηK †αηK² 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Atoms seek to have a certain number of electrons in their outer orbitals. Sometimes this is done by covalent bonding; however, atoms and molecules that are particularly close to having neatly filled orbitals will gain or give up the actual electrons. If they're a few electrons over a complete orbital, they'll give up the electrons and become positive ions; if they're a few electrons short, they'll grab them from the environment, becoming negative.
2006-06-09 21:33:00 · answer #2 · answered by Kat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
positive ions loses electrons to complete their octet
and neg ions gains electrons to complete their octet
2006-06-10 12:57:04 · answer #3 · answered by fazi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋