Question

How do negative and positive ions form \[?\]

Answer 1

Hint: Ions are atoms or molecules with a non-zero net charge. It could be positive or negative. Number of electrons in an ion is not equal to the number of protons. Therefore, all ions have either a greater number of protons than electrons in their overall atomic or molecular structure, or they have a greater number of electrons than protons in their atomic/molecular structures. The ions that contain a greater number of protons than electrons are known to hold a net positive charge. These ions are commonly referred to as cations. On the other hand, the ions that contain a greater number of electrons than protons are known to hold a net negative charge. These ions are commonly known as anions.

Complete answer:
Ions form when atoms gain or lose electrons. Since electrons are negatively charged, an atom that loses one or more electrons will become positively charged; an atom that gains one or more electrons becomes negatively charged. The metals form positively-charged ions and the non-metals form negatively-charged ions.
A negative ion is formed by the addition of negatively charged electrons. The protons do not change. Only non-metal atoms with \[1 - 3\] electrons missing in the outer level add electrons to complete that level like the nearest rare gas. Metals never form negative ions.
A positively charged ion is known as cation. A cation is formed by loss of one or more electrons by an atom.

Note:
It is important to note that the electrostatic forces of attraction that can arise between cations and anions are the driving force behind the formation of ionic bonds. When two oppositely charged ions form an ionic bond with each other, the resulting type of compound is commonly referred to as an ionic compound. If an ion is made up of only one type of atom, it can be referred to as an atomic ion or a monatomic ion. On the other hand, if an ion is made up of two or more atoms, it can be referred to as a polyatomic ion or a molecular ion.