1. Gaining electrons: An atom can gain one or more electrons to become negatively charged. This process is called reduction. The resulting negatively charged ion is called an anion.
* Example: A chlorine atom (Cl) gains one electron to become a chloride ion (Cl⁻).
2. Losing electrons: An atom can lose one or more electrons to become positively charged. This process is called oxidation. The resulting positively charged ion is called a cation.
* Example: A sodium atom (Na) loses one electron to become a sodium ion (Na⁺).
These processes are fundamental to the formation of ionic compounds, where oppositely charged ions attract each other to form a stable electrostatic bond.
