Table of Contents
What happens when an atom gains or loses a valence electron?
An atom that loses one or more valence electrons to become a positively charged ion is known as a cation, while an atom that gains electrons and becomes negatively charged is known as an anion.
What happens if an electron is lost then if an electron is gained?
An atom that gains or loses an electron becomes an ion. If it gains a negative electron, it becomes a negative ion. If it loses an electron it becomes a positive ion (see page 10 for more on ions).
Are valence electrons gained or lost?
When forming ions, elements typically gain or lose the minimum number of electrons necessary to achieve a full octet. For example, fluorine has seven valence electrons, so it is most likely to gain one electron to form an ion with a 1- charge.
What happens when electrons are gained?
If an atom or molecule gains an electron, it becomes negatively charged (an anion), and if it loses an electron, it becomes positively charged (a cation). Energy may be lost or gained in the formation of an ion.
When atoms gain or lose energy?
When the electron in an atom gains or loses energy, the energy of the electron can change, Gains: moves up an energy level, Loses: drops an energy level.
What happens to an atom if it loses electron?
Unlike protons, electrons can move from atom to atom. If it gains an extra electron, it becomes negatively charged and is known as an anion. If it loses an electron, it becomes positively charged and is known as a cation.
Why does an atom gain or lose electrons?
Atoms and chemical species lose or gain electrons when they react in order to gain stability. Thus, typically, metals (with nearly empty outer shells) lose electrons to non-metals, thereby forming positive ions.
How are electrons gained or lost?
Explanation: In general, metals will lose electrons to become a positive cation and nonmetals will gain electrons to become a negative anion. When an ionic compound forms, the more electronegative element will gain electrons and the less electronegative element will lose electrons.
When an atom loses an electron The resulting particle is called?
When an atom loses an electron, the resulting particle is called: A cation. Cations always have the same number of protons as electrons. What is the correct formula for a potassium ion with 18 electrons?