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In general, an ion is an atom or a molecule (group of atoms) that has gained or has lost one or more electrons, thus giving it an overall charge. An ion with more electrons than protons and thus having an overall negative charge is called a cation. Conversely, an ion with fewer electrons than protons and thus having an overall positive charge is an anion. The concept of an ion is a fundamental chemistry idea.
The charge of an ion can be indicated by a superscript +/- and then the charge number. For example, a sodium ion, with a charge of +1, and can be shown as Na+1, Na1+, or Na+.
Because of the nature of atomic structure, many atoms or groups of atoms want to "borrow" or "loan out" electrons to achieve a lower energy state. In ionic bonds, electrons are transferred rather than shared, as in covalent bonds. The electron structures of atoms drives the tendency of atoms to make those borrowing or loaning arrangements. Atoms want an inert gas electron configuration (8 outer-shell electrons), and will "pick up" or "dump" an electron or electrons to accomplish that goal. As mentioned, it's all about achieving a lower energy state, and as regards atom groups, they also want to make changes to move to a lower energy state. This is the fundamental driving force that we study in chemistry; it's what chemistry is all about. Use the links below to related questions and to other sites for more information. The definition of the word ion is "an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons."
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIf an atom has a structure of two shells, the inner one containing two electrons, the outer one containing seven, it doesn't have a complete outer shell. To have a complete outer shell, you must have eight electrons.
So, to do this, it must gain a single electron. But when it does that, it's charge becomes negative and it's no longer an atom, it's an ion.
j
an atom that has lost or gained 1 or more electrons - apex
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoAn ion (cation or anion) is an electrically charged atom or group of atoms.
Anonymous
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoAn ion is an atom, but with a negative or a positive charge.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoAn atom or covalently bonded group of atoms that carries a net electric charge.
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Words ending with etion?
Discretion, Excretion, Accretion, Secretion, Bet ion, Get ion, Jet ion, Let ion, Met ion, Net ion, Pet ion, Set ion, Skeet ion, Vet ion, Wet ion.
What is ion-ion and ion -solvent interaction?
Ion solvent
What ion is responsible for Make it basic sodium ion or hydroxide ion or hydrogen ion or water ion?
hydroxide ion
Losing or gaining electrons makes an atom a?
Ion
What is a cation barium ion Chloride ion nitrate ion or chromite ion?
Barium ion, with a charge of +2.
Is a hydroxyl ion a positive ion?
The hydroxyl ion is not a positive ion but rather a negative ion. The hydroxyl ion or anion is also known as hydroxide.
What ion forms when water dissociates?
Water disassociates to form the OH- ion or the hydroxide ion, and the H3O+ ion, otherwise known as the hydronium ion.
Why is an iron atom attracted to sulfide ion but not to a zinc ion?
why is an iron ion attracted to a sulfide ion but not to a zinc ion
Which is larger ion chloride ion or oxygen ion?
Chloride ion is larger in size.
Is HBr an ion ion intermolecular force?
an ion
Does an ion have a charge?
An ion does have a charge. That is what makes it an ion.
What is a cation barium ion clhorid ion nitrate ion or chromite ion?
barium ion is a cation. rest listed are anions.
