What are valence electrons and how do they relate to ions?

What are valence electrons and how do they relate to ions?

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial for chemical bonding. They determine how an atom interacts with others.

So, how do these valence electrons affect ion formation?

When atoms gain or lose valence electrons, they become ions. For example, losing an electron creates a positively charged ion, while gaining one creates a negatively charged ion.

Can you give me an example of an element and its valence electrons?

Sure! Sodium (Na) has one valence electron. When it loses that electron, it becomes a sodium ion (Na+).

What about chlorine? How does it form an ion?

Chlorine (Cl) has seven valence electrons. It gains one electron to complete its outer shell, forming a negatively charged ion called chloride (Cl-).