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

12683 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do catalysts speed up the rate of a reaction?


Why does the structure of lithium oxide allow it to conduct electricity under certain conditions?


Given the mass number of Aluminium is 27 and the mass number of Oxygen is 16, how many moles of Al2O3 are in 30g? (3 significant figures)


What is an ionic compound and how do they form?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences