Why is Lithium a +1 ion and Chlorine a -1 ion?

The answer lies in how many electron there are in the outer shells of each of the elements and how many electrons they can get or give away to gain a fuller outer shell. Lithium has 1 electron in its outer shell and the inner shell has 2 electrons, therefore to gain a full outter shell it needs 7 more electrons but it easier for it to lose an elctron and become a 1+ ion and have a full outer shell of 2. where as Chlorine has 7 electrons on its outer shell and its easier for it to gain an elctron to become 1- rather than lose 7 to become 7+.

TD
Answered by Tutor381320 D. Chemistry tutor

14451 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why an atom has no overall charge


A) Write a balanced equation for the reaction of Calcium metal with water B) If I react 3 g of Calcium metal, what number of moles do I have?


A student places equal masses of limestone rocks into two beakers. However, the student crushes the ones in one of the beakers to make a fine powder. Then, he adds hydrochloric acid to both of them. Which takes longer? Would one of them produce more CO2?


Name a suitable chemical used to convert propanol to propanoic acid?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning