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Why do some atoms form positive ions and others form negative ions?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
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.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoBecause 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
Wiki User
∙ 12y agosome 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.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agonatural elements symbols
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When do covalent bonds form?
when atoms share electrons, the positive nucleus of each atom is attracted to the shared negative electrons. the pull between the positive and negative charges is the force that keeps these atoms joined......hope this hepls :)
Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons and ionic bonds are formed when positive and negative ions bond to form an ionic compound.?
Ionic - electron transfer Covalent - electron share (co - share)
Negative ions form when atoms-blank-valence electrons?
Negative ions form when atoms GAIN valence electrons.
Does hydrogen form negative ions?
ATOMS THAT ARE NONMETALS WILL FORM ANIONS (NEGATIVE IONS) IF GIVEN THE CHANCE WHEN ELECTRONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE FORMATION OF CATIONS (POSITIVE IONS).THE ELECTRONS NEED A HOME, EITHER WITH THEIR ORIGINAL ATOMS, OR IF CATIONS FORM, THEN WITH ANIONS THAT MUST FORM AT THE SAME TIME.CHARGE MUST BE CONSERVED IN ANY CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL CHANGE.A negative ion is formed when an atom gains an electron, (because electrons have a negative charge).
Do metals form positive ions?
No, metals do not form negative ions: Only non-metals form negative ions - this ability (to gain electrons) is intrinsic to the nature of non-metals. Only metals form positive ions - this ability (to lose electrons) is intrinsic to the nature of metals. A positive ion (cation) is formed by removing electron(s) from an atom or group of atoms. A negative ion (anion) is formed by gaining electron(s) an atom or group of atoms.
Will atoms of a non metallic element form positive or negative ions?
Positive ions
Why do some atoms form positive ions and some form negative ions?
Because they want to.
How many covalent bonds will form between two atoms with one with a negative and positive charge and the other with a negative and positive charge?
1
Is arsenic positive negative or neutral?
Arsenic atoms are neutral and they form ions with valency of three.
When do covalent bonds form?
when atoms share electrons, the positive nucleus of each atom is attracted to the shared negative electrons. the pull between the positive and negative charges is the force that keeps these atoms joined......hope this hepls :)
How do positive and negative ions forms?
Atoms gain electrons to form negatively charged anions. Atoms lose electrons to form positively charged cations.
Which type of compound is composed of negatively or positively charged?
Ionic Compound:Is composed of negatively and positively charged atoms. The positive and negative atoms are attracted to each other and create a chemical bond. When the elements of a metal and a nonmetal are combined, they form an ionic compound. Ionic compounds are similar to magnets. There are positive and negative attractions. It is the same with atoms that has a positive or a negative charge is called an ion. Positive and negative ions attract each other. :3
Do ionic bonds form between ionized atoms?
Yes, only if there are both ions with positive charges and ions with negative charges among the ionized atoms.
Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons and ionic bonds are formed when positive and negative ions bond to form an ionic compound.?
Ionic - electron transfer Covalent - electron share (co - share)
Do non metal elements only form positive ions?
Metals tend to form positive ions also known as cations.
Atoms gain or lose electrons to form ions?
They can do both to form ions. An ion simply means that there is an uneven distribution of charge, so it can be positive or negative.
Can isotopes have positive and negative charges?
Isotopes are just the different possible nuclear weights of each element. Some are stable; some are unstable and radioactive. Since all atoms are isotopes and all isotopes are atoms, Isotopes can - and do - form ions, consequently they can have positive and negative charges.
