What happens when a neutral atom gains or loses electrons?
it loses neutrons
it loses protons
it gains protons
it becomes an ion
As we studied in our chapter on the periodic table, we saw that elements share a number of important properties with other elements found in the same group. The chemical behavior of a given element is largely dictated by the configuration of its valence electrons. Many elements have a tendency to gain or lose electrons in order to achieve a more stable configuration. When a neutral atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. In this lesson, we will look at ways to predict what type of ion a given element is likely to form.