Question

How are ions made from neutral atoms?

Answer 1

Ions are the species which have some charge either positive or negative. The imbalance in charge occurs when there is an addition or subtraction of the electron which is a negatively charged species.

Complete step by step answer:
We know that neutral atoms are the ones which have an equal number of protons and electrons i.e., equal positive charge and negative charge. We also know that the electrons are the negatively charged species and are responsible for the formation of different types of ions, because they are loosely held by the nucleus in the outermost shell of the atom and thus, by supplying the definite amount of energy, these electrons become free from the nuclear attraction. In this way, the atom loses an electron and becomes electron-deficient i.e., positively charged ion.
Hence, ions are the species which have the deficiency of electrons or excess of electrons which makes them positively charged and negatively charged. The positively charged ions are called cations and the negatively charged ions are called anions.
In some atoms like chlorine atoms, where all the electrons are strongly held by the nucleus, it is not feasible for an electron to be released and form a cation. In these types of neutral atoms, there is some definite amount of energy released, when one electron is added to its shell and this energy is called electron affinity which results in an imbalance of charge forming a negatively charged anion.

Note: The reason why these neutral atoms have to undergo the addition and subtraction in their number of electrons is basically to acquire the nearest noble gas configuration and to finally complete its octet. Whenever one electron is lost there is $+ 1$ charge on the atom (${M^{ + 1}}$) and whenever one electron is added there is $- 1$ charge on the atom (${M^{ - 1}}$).