Atoms vs Ions
Lithium
Atom
Lithium
Ion
ATOM = The number of electrons
equals the number of protons. Since
protons and electrons have opposite
charges, they cancel each other out.
This is why atoms are UNCHARGED
particles.
ION = The number of electrons does
NOT equal the number of protons.
Because of this, the positive and
negative charges don’t cancel each
other out and an ion always has a
CHARGE. It can have a positive or
negative charge making it a positive or
negative ion.
1. POSITIVE ION: An atom which
LOST electrons and now has more
protons than electrons. It has a
POSITIVE charge.
2. NEGATIVE ION: An atom which
GAINED electrons and now has
more electrons than protons. It has
a NEGATIVE charge.
Valence Orbital
The outermost orbital of an atom or
ion
Valence Electrons
The outermost electrons of an atom
or ion. Also: The electrons located in
the valence orbital.