Cations and Anions

Atoms and Stability  

- Atoms gain or lose electrons in their outermost shell to achieve a stable arrangement.  

Cations  

1. Definition: Positively charged ions.  

2. Formation: When an atom loses electrons, the number of protons becomes greater than the number of electrons, resulting in a positive charge.  

3. Examples: Metals typically form cations.  

4. Valence Dependence: The number of electrons lost depends on the valence electrons present.  

Anions  

1. Definition: Negatively charged ions.  

2. Formation: When an atom gains electrons, the number of electrons becomes greater than the number of protons, resulting in a negative charge.  

3. Examples: Non‑metals typically form anions.  

4. Valence Dependence: The number of electrons gained depends on the valence electrons available.