How do atoms become cations and anions?
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer:
Atoms become cations by losing electrons, and become anions by gaining electrons.
Explanation (Approx. 300 words):
Atoms are made up of three main particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge. In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, balancing the charges.
However, atoms can gain or lose electrons during chemical reactions, leading to the formation of ions. When this happens, the atom is no longer electrically neutral and becomes either a cation or an anion.
A cation is a positively charged ion. This occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons. Since electrons are negatively charged, losing them leaves the atom with more protons than electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. Metals, such as sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K), typically form cations. For example, when a sodium atom loses one electron, it becomes a sodium ion (Na⁺).
An anion is a negatively charged ion. This happens when an atom gains one or more electrons. The added electrons increase the negative charge, outweighing the number of protons and making the atom negatively charged. Nonmetals, such as chlorine (Cl), oxygen (O), and sulfur (S), tend to form anions. For instance, when a chlorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a chloride ion (Cl⁻).
The driving force behind the formation of cations and anions is the tendency of atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration, usually resembling that of the nearest noble gas (which has a full outer shell). This stability is often achieved by transferring electrons during reactions, especially in ionic bonding.
In summary, atoms become cations by losing electrons and become anions by gaining electrons, helping them achieve a more stable energy state.
