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

13868 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the bonding structure of a metal


What are the 2 methods used to manufacture ethanol? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both?


How does fractional distillation separate different hydrocarbons in crude oil?


What is the relative formula mass of ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3?


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