An ion is an atom or group of
atoms with a positive or negative
charge. Ions form when atoms
lose or gain electrons to obtain a
full outer shell
metal atoms
lose
electrons to
form
positively
charged ions
non-metal atoms gain
electrons to form
negatively charged ions
Metal atoms lose
electrons from their
outer shell when
they form ions:
the ions are positive,
because they have more
protons than electrons
the ions have the electronic structure of a
noble gas (group 0 element), with a full
outer shell
For elements in groups 1, 2 and 3,
the number of electrons lost is the
same as the group number.
The outer shells of
non-metal atoms gain
electrons when they form
ions:
the ions formed are
negative, because
they have more
electrons than
protons
the ions have electronic structure of a nobal gas
(group 0 element) with a full outer shell
question Iodine is in group 7. What is the
charge on its ions, and is the charge
positive or negative?
answer The charge is
negative, scince iodine ios
a non metal. The charge
on the ion is (8-7)=1.
Worked example Sulfur is in group 6 of
the periodic table. What is the charge on
its ions, and is the charge positive or
negative? The charge is negative, since
sulfur is a non-metal. The charge on the
ion is (8 - 6) = 2