Ion

Atoms are neutral as they have equal numbers of protons and electrons. But what happens if they lose or gain electrons?

The process in which an atom gains or loses an electron is called ionization.

When an atom gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion due to the excess of electrons.

Negative ions, or anions, often end with "ide," such as chloride, when chlorine gains an electron.

Similarly, when an electron is lost from an atom, it becomes a positively charged ion called a cation.

Positive ions are named by adding "ion" to the element, like sodium ion, when sodium loses an electron.

We show ion charges, with a plus or minus sign above the element’s symbol, along with the charge number. For example, iron losing two electrons becomes Fe²⁺.

But why do atoms form ions? They achieve stability by having a full outer energy level. Fluorine, with seven outer electrons, becomes stable by gaining one to form a Flouride ion.

Ions are highly reactive and form neutral compounds with opposite charges.