Formation of Ions (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry)

• An ion is an electrically charged atom or group of atoms formed by the loss or gain of electrons
• This loss or gain of electrons takes place to obtain a full outer shell of electrons
• The electronic structure of ions of elements in groups 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 will be the same as that of a noble gas - such as helium, neon, and argon
• Negative ions are called anions and form when atoms gain electrons, meaning they have more electrons than protons
• Positive ions are called cations and form when atoms lose electrons, meaning they have more protons than electrons
• All metals lose electrons to other atoms to become positively charged ions
• All non-metals gain electrons from other atoms to become negatively charged ions

Diagram showing the formation of the sodium ion

Diagram showing the formation of the chloride ion