Why do some atoms form positive ions and others form negative ions?

Answer 1

It is a matter of how full an atom's outer or valence shell of electrons is. For most atoms, the most stable setup is one with a full shell of 8 valence electrons, and an atom will gain or lose electrons to achieve this. For atoms with close to 8 valence electrons, such a chlorine (7 valence electrons, it is generally easier to gain electrons and thus become negatively charged. For atoms with few valence electrons, such as sodium (1 valence electron), it is easier to lose electrons and go down to the next lowest shell, which is already full.

Answer 2

Because they react in different ways. The atoms at the right of the Periodic Table only need some few electrons to get full outer shells, so they receive electrons in reactions. The ones at the left give away electrons. An electron is negative, so when an atom gets one or more electrons, we call it a negative ion. When an atom gives away electrons it has less electrons than protons (the positive ones). We call that positive ions.

Atoms at the right on the periodic table > Receive electrons > Become negative ions

Atoms at the left on the periodic table > Gives away electrons > Become positive ions

Answer 3

some elements like sodium have low electronegativity and elements like chlorine have high electronegativity. So when they react sodium lose electrons and form positive ions and chlorine gains electrons and form negative ions. This is the reason why some atoms make positive ions and some negative ions.

Answer 4

Atoms form positive ions by losing electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, typically by reaching a full outer shell. Atoms form negative ions by gaining electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, often by filling their outer shell or reaching a noble gas configuration. This process is driven by the tendency of atoms to attain a lower energy state through electron transfer.

Answer 5

natural elements symbols