Remember, an ion is an atom (or group of atoms)

with a charge.
The charge is formed by the atom gaining or losing
an electron.

• If e- is gained, it’s a negative ion.

• If e- is lost, it’s a positive ion.
Different parts of the periodic table tend to
form differently charged ions.

• Metals form positive ions, called cations.

• Nonmetals form negative ions, called anions.

Helpful hint for remembering:

caion anion
 = positive n = negative
In the table above, metals are pink, nonmetals are yellow, and metalloids are green.

Generally, metals are found to the left of the dark line above, and
nonmetals are found to the right.

Draw this line on your yellow periodic table!!!

Now that you know where metals and nonmetals are
found, we will look at specific ions that different
groups form.
Remember, metals are positive and nonmetals are
negative!

We will start with the nonmetals.

 Group 17 elements form ions with a -1 charge.

-2 -1

Nonmetals in group 16 form ions with a -2 charge.

WRITE THESE CHARGES ON YOUR PERIODIC TABLE!

 Nonmetals in group 15 form ions with a -3 charge.

-4 -3 -2 -1

Nonmetals in group 14 form ions with a -4 charge.

WRITE THESE CHARGES ON YOUR PERIODIC TABLE!

 Metals in group 1 form ions with a +1 charge.

+1 +2
-4 -3 -2 -1

Metals in group 2 form ions with a +2 charge.

WRITE THESE CHARGES ON YOUR PERIODIC TABLE!

 Aluminum forms ions with a +3 charge.
Zinc forms ions with a +2 charge.
+1 +2
-4 -3 -2 -1

Charges vary +3
+2
+1

Silver forms ions with a +1 charge.

All of the other metals have charges that vary.
 Notice that metals all have a positive charge...

+1 +2
-4 -3 -2 -1

Charges vary +3
+2
+1

And nonmetals have a negative charge!

Noble gases have a stable octet and DO NOT form ions!

+1 +2
-4 -3 -2 -1

Charges vary +3
+2
+1

NO
Charge
 Cations (positive ions) and anions (negative
ions) are attracted to each other because of their
opposite charges.

For example, the compound NaCl.

Na+ Cl-
 But compounds made with ions (ionic
compounds) DO NOT FORM MOLECULES!Cl-

Instead, multiple ions are attracted to

each other by their opposite charges.
Na+

Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl-

Na+ Na+ Na+

 This is called a crystal
lattice structure, and it Cl-
is the form that ionic
compounds take.
Na+

Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl-

Na+ Na+ Na+

 So, when we see the
formula NaCl, that is telling
Cl-
us that there is a ratio of one
Na for every one Cl in its
crystal lattice structure... Na+

Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl-

NOT that there is an
NaCl
Na+
molecule! Na+
Na+
 So, this is correct
Na+ Cl-

Cl- Cl- Not this!

Na+

Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl- There is no such thing

+ Na+ Na+ as an NaCl molecule!
 Since ionic compounds form crystal
lattice structures and not molecules,
the chemical formula (ex. NaCl)
represents the ratio of atoms in the
compound.
Cl- Cl-

Na+
In NaCl, there is a ratio of one
Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl- Na ion for every one Cl ion.

+ Na+ Na+
Naturally occurring NaCl Crystal lattice
structure of NaCl

Images courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

The compound CaCl2 would have a
crystal lattice with two chloride ions
for every one calcium ion.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

On Monday (10/31) you’ll have your first polyatomic
ions quiz. You will need to memorize the names and
formulas (including charges) for the first 15 ions on
the back of your yellow periodic table. The quiz over
the remaining ions will be on Friday, November 4.
1. SO42- _________________

2. Phosphate______________