ion

[player285]

Im in secondary 1 just starting on atoms, for silicon to become a ion, does it have to lose or gain 4 electrons? I know both are but im supposed to draw but i dont know which one... or is it both.

[Nup]

An ion is just a change in charge, due to there being a different amount of protons and electrons. It can be Positive or negative (anion and cation) as you can gain an electron or loose one. So adding or subtracting (one or more) electrons will make it an ion.