Question

Simple negative ions formed from single atoms are given names that end in ____________.

Short answer

Simple negative ions formed from single atoms are given names that end in -ide.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the term for simple negative ions

Simple negative ions formed from single atoms are called anions. They form when an atom gains one or more electrons, giving it a negative charge.

Complete the sentence

Simple negative ions formed from single atoms are given names that end in -ide. This suffix is added to the root of the element's name to indicate that it is an anion. So, the completed sentence is: Simple negative ions formed from single atoms are given names that end in -ide.

Key concepts

Negative Ions

Negative ions, often referred to as anions, are particles with a net negative charge. This occurs when atoms gain extra electrons. Electrons carry a negative charge, so when they are added to an atom, they create a surplus of negative charge over positive charge caused by protons.

When atoms become negative ions, they do so because they have more electrons than protons.
This process of gaining electrons typically occurs during chemical reactions where atoms interact and transfer electrons between them.

• Negative ions are crucial in many chemical reactions.
• They often participate in forming compounds, such as salts.
• Most non-metal elements tend to form negative ions.

Understanding how negative ions form is essential for grasping many fundamental chemistry concepts, such as bonding and molecular structure. This knowledge helps explain why certain substances have specific properties and how they interact with each other.

Elemental Anions

Elemental anions are a type of negative ion that originate from single elements. An element will typically form an anion if it naturally tends to gain electrons to achieve a full outer shell, resembling the stable electron configuration of noble gases.

For example, when a chlorine atom gains an extra electron, it becomes a chloride ion, a simple example of an elemental anion. This is a common occurrence in reactions where nonmetals interact with metals, particularly in ionic bonding.

• Elemental anions are usually formed from non-metals.
• They are essential in the creation of ionic compounds.
• Examples include fluoride (from fluorine), oxide (from oxygen), and sulfide (from sulfur).

Elemental anions help explain why and how different elements form stable structures in compounds. They play a vital role in the stability and functionality of many substances in both natural and industrial processes.

-ide Suffix

When it comes to naming negative ions, the "-ide" suffix is a consistent and important rule. Simple negative ions formed from single atoms are given names that end in "-ide." This nomenclature is not just arbitrary; it helps in easily identifying the type of ion at play in chemical compounds and reactions.

The "-ide" suffix is usually added to the base name of the element from which the ion is derived. For instance:

• Fluorine becomes fluoride (F⁻).
• Oxygen becomes oxide (O²⁻).
• Chlorine becomes chloride (Cl⁻).

This systematic approach to naming helps chemists and students alike to quickly understand the composition of substances. Knowing this suffix and how to apply it allows for better communication and comprehension in chemistry, streamlining the study and application of chemical processes.