IONS

branch MATTER & ATOMS

Coming from THE ELEMENTS
=Ions= ===An ion is simply a charged atom=== [image:http://i.imgur.com/hSygiSI.png] ===An atom can become charged when it gains or loses electrons.=== *If an atom gains electrons it will form a '''negative''' ion because it now has more electrons (negatively charged) than protons (positively charged) *If an atom loses electrons it will form a '''positive''' ion because it now has less electrons (negatively charged) than protons (positively charged)