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Ions are atoms that have lost or gained electrons.

The number of protons in an atom remains unchanged but with loss or gain of electrons the charges becomes unbalanced, because the number of electrons is NOT equal to the number of protons.

Ions can be divided into two viz. Cations ( positively charged) and Anions ( negatively charhed(.

Here are some examples.

Sodium atom has 11 protons(+) and 11 electrons(-).

Sodium cation has 11 protons(+) and 10 electrons(-)

If we do a little sum

(+)11 - 10 = (+)1 This is indicated on the sodium cation as

Na(s) = Na^(+) + e^(-)

Similarly

Calcium atom has 20 protons(+) and 20 electrons(-).

Calcium cation has 20 protons(+) and 18 electrons(-)

If we do a little sum

(+)20 - 18 = (+)2 This is indicated on the calcium cation as

Ca(s) = Ca^(2+) + 2e^(-)

Conversely

Chlorineatom has 17 protons(+) and 17 electrons(-).

Chloride anion has 17 protons(+) and 18 electrons(-)

If we do a little sum

(+)17 - 18 = (-)1 This is indicated on the chloride anion as

Cl(g) = Cl^(-) - e^(-)

Similrly

Oxygen atom has 8 protons(+) and 8 electrons(-).

Oxide anion has 8 protons(+) and 10 electrons(-)

If we do a little sum

(+)8 - 10 = (-)2 This is indicated on the chloride anion as

O(g) = O(2-) - 2e^(-)

So ions are charged atoms.

Or

Ions have a charge, Atoms have no charge.

Chemically, charged atoms are no longer atoms but IONS.

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lenpollock

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1y ago

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