Ionic and Covalent Bonds

• Cations have fewer electrons than protons, while anions have more electrons than protons.
• Ions are charged particles formed when atoms gain or lose electrons.
• The number of valence electrons determines the charge on an ion.
• Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a full outer shell.
• Metals tend to form cations by losing electrons from their valence shell.
• Metals tend to form cations by losing electrons, while non-metals tend to form anions by gaining electrons.
• Non-metals tend to form anions by gaining electrons into their valence shell.
• Electrostatic force is the attraction between opposite charges (positive and negative).
• Group 1 elements (alkali metals) all form +1 ions.
• Group 2 elements (alkaline earth metals) all form +2 ions.
• A neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and electrons.
• Cations have positive charge (+), while anions have negative charge (-).
• Atomic mass is the number of protons and neutrons