How does a neutral atom become a ion

Answer 1

A neutral atom becomes an ion through the loss or gain of electrons. Here are the two main ways this can happen:

1. Cation Formation (Loss of Electrons):

   • When an atom loses one or more electrons, it becomes positively charged and is referred to as a cation. This typically occurs in metals, which have a tendency to lose electrons to achieve a more stable electronic configuration (often resembling that of the nearest noble gas).

   Example:

   • Sodium (Na) has 11 electrons in its neutral state. When it loses one electron, it becomes Na⁺ (a sodium ion) with a +1 charge.

2. Anion Formation (Gain of Electrons):

   • When an atom gains one or more electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is referred to as an anion. This process usually happens with nonmetals, which tend to gain electrons to achieve a full outer shell.

   Example:

   • Chlorine (Cl) has 17 electrons in its neutral state. When it gains one electron, it becomes Cl⁻ (a chloride ion) with a -1 charge.

In both cases, the process of an atom becoming an ion results in a change in its charge but not in the number of protons; the number of protons remains unchanged because that defines the element itself.