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

13901 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is Copper used in cooking equipment and wiring?


What is the bonding structure of a metal


Calculate the concentration in mol/dm3 of 8.0 g of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in solution with a volume of 50 cm3. (Note Ar(Na) = 23, Ar(O) = 16, Ar(H) = 1)


Calculate the concentration of Sodium Chloride, NaCl, if you have 0.0010 moles in 55cm^3


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences