Ions

Protons vs Electrons

IONS

Ions are formed when a neutral atom gains or loses __________ to become charged.


○ Two Types:

○ C______ have a ________ charge
○ A______ have a ________ charge.

Cation

○ Formed when a neutral atom loses electrons and becomes positively charged.

To help you remember:
cation
(the "t" in cation looks like a + sign)

Anion

○ Formed when a neutral atom gains electrons to become negatively charged

aNion (N → Negative)

Writing Ion Symbols

○ Ion symbols are written with the ion

charge in the upper right corner.

○ Ex. Mg⁺², Cl^-, Li⁺

Anions have a - symbol in their charge
N^-3 means that N has a negative charge of 3 because it gained three electrons.
F^1- means that F has a negative charge of 1 because it gained one electron. A -1 charge can also just be written as -.

Anion Symbols

Cations have a + symbol in their charge
Mg²⁺ means that Mg has a positive charge of 2 because it lost two electrons.
Na¹⁺ means that Na has a positive charge of 1 because it lost one electron. A +1 charge can also just be written as +.

Cation Symbols

Ion Charges

Practice Time!

Instructions: Now let's apply the skills you've learned. You will need the Simple Ion Worksheet to go with the next few slides.

Practice: Simple Ion Worksheet

Continue working on the Simple Ion Worksheet.