Explain why fluorine forms anion, while magnesium forms a cation. Also,
mention the symbols of the ions formed.
Answers
Explanation:
If atoms gain electrons, they become negative ions, or anions. Consider the example of fluorine. A fluorine atom has nine protons and nine electrons, so it is electrically neutral. If a fluorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a fluoride ion with an electric charge of −1Thus, a magnesium atom will form a cation with two fewer electrons than protons and a charge of 2+. The symbol for the ion is Mg2+, and it is called a magnesium ion.
Explanation:
If atoms gain electrons, they become negative ions, or anions. Consider the example of fluorine. A fluorine atom has nine protons and nine electrons, so it is electrically neutral. If a fluorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a fluoride ion with an electric charge of −1Thus, a magnesium atom will form a cation with two fewer electrons than protons and a charge of 2+. The symbol for the ion is Mg2+, and it is called a magnesium ion.