How do atoms become positive and negative ions

Answer 1

Atoms can become positive or negative ions through the process of losing or gaining electrons, respectively.

1. Positive Ions (Cations):

   • Atoms become positive ions (cations) by losing one or more of their electrons.
   • This usually happens with metals, which have fewer electrons in their outer shell. When they lose electrons, they have more protons than electrons, resulting in a positive charge.
   • For example, a sodium atom (Na) has one electron in its outermost shell. By losing that electron, it becomes a sodium ion (Na⁺), which has a positive charge.

2. Negative Ions (Anions):

   • Atoms become negative ions (anions) by gaining one or more electrons.
   • This process is more common with nonmetals, which tend to have higher electronegativities and a greater tendency to attract additional electrons.
   • When they gain electrons, they have more electrons than protons, leading to a negative charge.
   • For example, a chlorine atom (Cl) has seven electrons in its outer shell. By gaining an electron, it becomes a chloride ion (Cl⁻), which has a negative charge.

Through these processes, atoms achieve a more stable electronic configuration, often resembling the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas, which is energetically favorable.