Question

How are ions formed?
(a)- Ions are formed when neutral atom gains or lose electrons to become positively or negatively charged
(b)- Ions are formed when two atoms join together
(c)- Ions are formed when neutral atom gains or lose protons to become positively or negatively charged
(d)- Ions are formed when two atoms break apart
(e)- Ions are formed when the outer energy shell of an atom is filled.

Answer 1

Hint: Ions are of two types, cation and anion. The cation has a positive charge and the anion has a negative charge. These charges are due to the addition or subtraction of negative particles in the atom.

Complete step by step answer:
An ion is formed when the atom gains or loses an electron.
Ions are of two types: cations or positively charged ions, and anions or negatively charged ions.
We know that an electron is a negatively charged particle, so it is responsible for the formation of ions.
When the atom gains 1 electron, then the atom is converted into an anion having -1 charge (${{M}^{-}}$).
Similarly, when the atom gains 2 electrons, then the atom is converted into an anion having -2 charge (${{M}^{2-}}$).
 When the atom loses 1 electron, then the atom is converted into a cation having +1 charge (${{M}^{+}}$ ).
Similarly, when the atom loses 2 electrons, then the atom is converted into a cation having +2 charge (${{M}^{2+}}$).
So, the correct answer is Ions are formed when a neutral atom gains or loses electrons to become positively or negatively charged.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: The main motive of the atom to lose or gain electrons is to complete its octet and acquire the configuration of the nearest noble gas atom because a complete octet is the most stable. The charge on an electron is $-1.6\text{ x 1}{{\text{0}}^{-19}}C$.