Bonding, Structure and the properties of Matter

• Ions


  Formed when metal atoms transfer their outer electrons to the outer shells of non-metal atoms
• Electron transfer


  Charged particles (ions)
• Metal atoms


  • Form positive ions (cations)
  • Lost 1 or more negatively charged electron
  • Positive charge on the ion is the same as the number of electrons lost
• Non-metal atoms


  • Form negative ions (anions)
  • Gain 1 or more negatively charged electron
  • Negative charge on the ion is the same as the number of electrons gained
• Elements forming positive ions


  • Group 1
  • Group 2
• Group 1 atoms

  Form a 1+ ion by losing 1 electron from its outer shell
• Group 2 atoms

  Form a 2+ atom by losing 2 electrons from its outer shell
• Elements forming negative ions


  • Group 6
  • Group 7
• Group 6 atoms

  Gain 2 electrons to form a 2- ion
• Group 7 atoms

  Gain 1 electron to form a 1- ion