Chapter 2: Problem 1

How does an ion form from an uncharged atom?

Short Answer

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An ion forms from an uncharged atom when the atom gains or loses electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration. This change in the balance of protons and electrons creates an overall charge, resulting in an ion. Atoms that gain electrons form negatively charged anions, while atoms that lose electrons form positively charged cations. The formation of ions allows for the creation of ionic compounds through electrostatic forces between ions with opposite charges.

Step by step solution

Understanding the Structure of Atoms

An atom is composed of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and electrons that orbit around the nucleus. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge. In an uncharged atom, the number of protons and electrons is equal, resulting in a neutral charge.

Gaining or Losing Electrons

To become an ion, an atom must gain or lose electrons, which changes its overall charge. Atoms do this to achieve a more stable electron configuration, usually by having a full outer electron shell. Atoms that gain electrons will have a negative charge (called anions), while atoms that lose electrons will have a positive charge (called cations).

Formation of Ions

When an atom gains or loses electrons, the balance of protons and electrons changes, creating an overall charge. This charged atom is now an ion. For example, if a neutral sodium atom (with 11 protons and 11 electrons) loses one electron, it becomes a sodium ion with a charge of +1 (with 11 protons and 10 electrons). Similarly, if a neutral chlorine atom (with 17 protons and 17 electrons) gains one electron, it becomes a chloride ion with a charge of -1 (with 17 protons and 18 electrons).

Chemical Bonding

Ions with opposite charges can bond together through electrostatic forces to form ionic compounds. For example, a sodium ion (+1 charge) and a chloride ion (-1 charge) can form an ionic bond to create sodium chloride (NaCl), which is table salt. In this way, the formation of ions from uncharged atoms is an essential process in chemistry that leads to the formation of many compounds.

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How does an ion form from an uncharged atom?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding the Structure of Atoms

Gaining or Losing Electrons

Formation of Ions

Chemical Bonding

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