When does an atom lose an electron?

Question

When does an atom lose an electron?

Answer 1

It depends on if you mean, "What causes an atom to lose an electron?" or "What is the result of an atom losing an electron?"

The cause is that an electron has acquired enough energy (through the absorption of a photon) to break free from the hold of the atomic nucleus, or has been acted on by a force greater than the electron's attraction to the nucleus.

The result is that the atom acquires a positive charge and becomes an ion. Normally, this happens when the atom has one electron in its highest energy level; it gives up the electron so that it will have a full outer shell (the shell below the shell that had only one electron), a more stable condition. The lost electron normally is given to an atom that was one electron short of a full outer shell.

Answer 2

Atoms Lose Electrons

Answer 3

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When does an atom lose an electron?
When does an atom lose an electron?

Answer 4

An atom can only loose and electron if it is removed, by either an ionic bond with another atom (where the other one takes it). Or if you fire electrons (or photons) at it, which will knock out one of the electrons and ionise it. Assuming the photon/electron has enough energy

Answer 5

Well Aaron, Atom lose or gain electron to be stable. For example Na. Na loses 1 electron because it has 1 electron in its outermost orbit. Similarly Cl gains 1 electron in order to be stable or to gain the nearest noble gas configuration . Since noble gas are stable. In general atom lose or gain electron inorder to gain the electronic configuration of nearest noble gas. Ok

Answer 6

If it is hit with a photon that has enough energy.

Answer 7

when it acquires energy greater than band gap energy