Ions

Ions are electrically charged particles formed when atoms lose or gainelectrons. They have the same electronic structures as noble gases.

Metal atoms form positive ions, while non-metal atoms form negative ions. The strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions are called ionic bonds.

• Metal atoms lose the electron, or electrons, in their highest energy level and become positively charged ions
• Non-metal atoms gain an electron, or electrons, from another atom tobecome negatively charged ions
• The number of charges on an ion formed by a metal is equal to the group number of the metal
• The number of charges on an ion formed by a non-metal is equal to the group number minus eight
• Hydrogen forms H⁺ ions.