1. Gaining Electrons:
* Chemical Reactions: Atoms can gain electrons during chemical reactions, forming negatively charged ions. For example, when sodium (Na) reacts with chlorine (Cl), sodium loses an electron to become a positively charged ion (Na+), while chlorine gains an electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-).
* Electrolysis: This process uses electric current to break down a compound into its constituent elements. The negatively charged ions are attracted to the positive electrode (anode).
* Electron Beam: Bombarding an atom with a beam of electrons can force it to gain electrons, forming a negatively charged ion.
2. Dissociation:
* In Solution: Many ionic compounds, like salts, dissociate into their constituent ions when dissolved in water. For instance, sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolves into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-).
Example:
* A chlorine atom (Cl) has 17 electrons. To become a negatively charged ion (Cl-), it gains one more electron, giving it a total of 18 electrons.
Key Points:
* Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.
* Negatively charged ions have more electrons than protons.
* The number of electrons gained or lost determines the charge of the ion.
* Ions are crucial in various chemical reactions, including those in our bodies.
