Introduction to Ions

Charged atom that has lost or gained an electron

There are two different types of ions

These are atoms that give up electrons

The elements that give up electrons are METALS

When a metal gives up an electron, it becomes positive

These are atoms that take in electrons

The elements that take in electrons are NONMETALS

When a nonmetal takes in an electron, it becomes negative

To have a noble gas electron configuration

For example, when lithium loses an electron, it will have the same number of electrons as helium.

For example, when fluorine gains an electron, it will have the same number of electrons as neon.

Ions = charged atoms that lost or gained an electron

Cations are atoms that lost an electron

Cations can only be metals

Anions are atoms that gained an electron

Anions can only be nonmetals