What happens when the number of electrons is changed?

How are ions made from neutral atoms?

You have learned that not all atoms of an element are the same. Variation in the number of
neutrons results in different isotopes of the element. In this activity we will explore another
variation that can take place—the loss and gain of electrons. The exchange of electrons
between atoms is a very common way for chemical change to take place. We will see it many
times throughout the year.

Model 1. Use the models shown below to answer questions 1-3.

 1. Use the example to complete the table below.
Remember: protons (+), neutrons (no charge), electrons (-)

Element Metal or Is the number Is the number Is the number Charge of the
nonmetal of protons the of neutrons of electrons atom (ion)?
same in the the same in the same in
neutral atom the neutral the neutral
and ion? atom and atom and
ion? ion?

Lithium (Li) metal Yes (3) Yes (3) No (Look at 1+

charge!)

Magnesium 2+
(Mg)

Aluminum 3+
(Al)

Fluorine (F) 1-

Oxygen (O) Non metal 2-

Nitrogen (N) 3-

2. Examine the isotope symbols in Model 1.

a. Is a charge indicated on the neutral atoms?

b. Where is the ion charge located in the isotope symbol?

 3. Based on the table you completed in Question 1, what distinguishes a neutral atom from
an ion?

Read This!
Ions are atoms with an electrical charge due to a difference between the number of protons and
electrons. Chemists refer to positively charged ions as cations (more protons than electrons).
Chemists refer to negatively charged ions as anions (more electrons than protons) .

Cation Positively charged ion +

Ex. K

Anion Negatively charged ion 2-

Ex. O

Notice that the charge symbol (+/-) is written after the number that represents the charge!

4. Fill in the following table. Use this periodic table.

Ion Symbol Strontium Sulfur Gallium (Ga3+) Bromine

 (Sr2+) (S2-) (Br-)

Atomic number 16 31

Mass number 32 70

Number of 31
protons

Number of 28 36
electrons (31-3)
(31 + (-28)=3+

Number of 39 45
neutrons (70-31)

Cation or anion Cation

(positive charge)

5. Based on the evidence from the table above, how is a cation formed?

6. Based on the evidence from the table above, how is an anion formed?

😃
7. How does math ( ) relate to electrons and ion formation? Hint: Look at the highlighted
example in the table above.
Examine Model 2 shown above. The staircase boldline separates the metals from the nonmetals.

1. In general, do nonmetals form anions or cations?

2. In general, do metals form anions or cations?

3. Based on the table, is hydrogen an exception to the guidelines for the formation of anions
in nonmetals and formation of cations in metals?