2006-12-19 09:27:10 · 3 answers · asked by eduardaberry 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Ions come in two types: Cations lose electrons so they are positive. Anions are negative because they gain electrons.
All metals form cations because it is easier for them to lose one or more electrons than to gain even one.
All non-metals form anions because it is easier for them to gain one or more electrons than to lose even one.
The Nobel Gas elements, Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Radon, do not form ions in chemical reactions. They neither gain nor lose electrons.
Ions are typically formed when a chemical reaction occurs. For all cations formed there will be anions formed. The charge on the ions will depend on how many electrons are gained or lost.
All alkali metals, Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, etc., lose one electron and form Li+, Na+, K+ ions. All alkaline earth metals, Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, etc., lose two electrons to form Be+2, Mg+2, Ca+2, Sr+2 ions.
2006-12-19 09:38:56 · answer #1 · answered by Alan Turing 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ions are atoms that have either gained or lost electrons
Ions can bond together to create molecules.
(ionic bond: electrons are transferred)
(covalent bond: electrons are shared)
2006-12-19 17:32:36 · answer #2 · answered by Kia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they are charged and have counter ions.
2006-12-19 17:29:54 · answer #3 · answered by pkababa 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋