Headings
Search
Questions
What is the Difference between an Atom and an Ion?
An atom has the same
number of protons and electrons.
An atom has no overall electric
charge.
If an atom loses or
gains electrons it is no longer called an atom.
It is called an ion. An ion has a full outer shell
of electrons.
An ion has an electric charge.
Why do Chemical Reactions
Happen?
All chemical reactions happen because atoms are
trying
to get
a full outer shell
of
electrons.
The total number
of atoms is the same before and
after the reaction.
When an atom reacts with another
atom to form a chemical
bond, it will either
1. Lose electrons to form a stable positive
ion.
2. Gain electrons to form a stable negative ion.
or 3. Share
electrons to form a stable
molecule.
gcsescience.com Contents The Periodic Table Index Quizzes gcsescience.com
Copyright © 2011 Dr. Colin France. All Rights Reserved.