Atoms are neutrally charged particles, as the positively charged particles (protons) equal the number of negatively charged particles (electrons). When atoms lose or gain electrons they become ions.
When the atom loses an electron its overall charge becomes positive, as there are more protons (positively charged) than electrons (negatively charged). A positive ion is called a cation.
When the atom gains an electron its overall charge becomes negative, as there more electrons (negatively charged) than protons (positively charged). A negative ion is called an anion.
Atoms have electrons orbiting around them in defined energy levels. The first level can hold two electrons, and the second level can hold eight, for simplicity, we will say that the third, fourth and fifth can hold eight as well. The need for an ion to have a complete outer layer is why ions form.
Octet Rule
Atoms react by gaining or losing electrons so they can acquire the stable electron configuration of a noble gas (they have complete energy levels). These outer energy levels, electrons are also know as valence electrons.
Common ions:
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