Question

Describe the formation of ions by electron loss or gain

Answer 1

Explanation:

Ions form when atoms gain or lose electrons. This is so that they form a full outer shell of electrons. When an atom gains electrons it becomes a negative ion, because electrons are negatively charged. For example, all halogens (group 7 or 17) form negative ions as they gain an electron forming a 1- charge. When an atom loses electrons it becomes a positive ion, as it is losing some negative charge from the electrons. This would be for example, alkali metals (group 1) which lose an electron to form a positive ion with a 1+ charge, (ALL metals form positive ions).