Ions Biochemistry

Can an atom gain or lose an electron? Explain. Yes Atoms that are said to be un stabled or reactive have more of a chance to gain or lose an electron.

Where would the electrons come from? The electrons that are gained or lost come from the outer energy level (shell). This outer shell is referred to as the Valence shell.

How many electrons can fit into the shells of an atom? First energy level – 2 Second energy level – 8 Third energy level – 18 Fourth energy level - 32

How many electrons are needed in the valence shell for it to be stable? Elements want to have 8 in their valence shell to be stable.

Which elements would be more likely to gain or lose electrons? The elements with 7 in the outer energy level will gain electrons. The elements with one in the outer energy level lose an electron.

What would happen to an atom when it gains or loses an electron? The charge would change it would either become positive or negative charge. If an atom loses an electron it becomes positively charged. Also called Cations. If an atom gains an electron it becomes negatively charged. Also called anions.

Ion Picture

K Br Be N Ar H Practice: Atom Vs. Ion Draw the electrons in their shells and predict the whether or not it has the chance to become an ion and what charge it would be. K Br Be N Ar H