Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Ions

Ions are particles that have a charge. They are created when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons. Gaining electrons creates a negatively charged ion; losing electrons creates a positively charged ion.

Positive ions (cations)

Positive ions (cations)

  • Positive ions are usually created when an atom or molecule loses electrons.
  • Positive ions are also called cations.
  • The metals in Group 1 and 2 can easily lose electrons to become positively charged ions.
Negative ions (anions)

Negative ions (anions)

  • Negative ions are usually created when an atom or molecule gains electrons.
  • Negative ions are also called anions.
  • The non-metals in Group 7 are most likely to gain electrons to fill up their electron shell and become negatively charged.
Ions containing multiple elements

Ions containing multiple elements

  • Ions can be made up of:
    • 1 atom (e.g. F-).
    • Combinations of atoms with an overall charge (e.g. SO42-).
Jump to other topics
1

Atomic Structure

2

Chemical Bonding

3

Quantitative Chemistry

4

Chemical Changes

5

Energy Changes

6

The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7

Organic Chemistry

8

Chemical Analysis

9

Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10

Using Resources

Practice questions on Ions

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
Answer all questions on Ions

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium