Question

A simple _______ ion has the same name as its parent element.

Short answer

A simple ion with the same name as its parent element is the potassium ion (K+), which is formed when a potassium atom (K) loses one electron.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the concept of ions

Ions are atoms or groups of atoms that have an electric charge. They are formed when an atom either gains or loses one or more electrons. There are two types of ions: cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions).

Learn the naming conventions for simple ions

Simple ions are formed from a single atom. The name of a simple cation is the same as its parent element, while the name of a simple anion ends in "-ide." For example, a sodium atom (Na) that loses an electron becomes a sodium ion (Na+) and an oxygen atom (O) that gains two electrons becomes an oxide ion (O²⁻).

Provide an example of a simple ion with the same name as its parent element

One example of such an ion is the potassium ion (K+). When a potassium atom (K) loses one electron, it becomes a potassium ion (K+). In this case, the name of the simple ion, "potassium," is the same as its parent element.

Key concepts

Cations

Cations are a type of ion that carry a positive charge. These ions are created when an atom loses one or more electrons, which leads to a surplus of protons over electrons. Hence, the atom becomes positively charged. The number of electrons lost will determine the charge of the cation. For example, if a sodium atom (Na) loses one electron, it becomes a sodium ion denoted as Na⁺.

Cations are commonly found among metals in the periodic table. Metals have a tendency to lose electrons, making them predisposed to forming cations. Such formation happens because metals typically have a small number of electrons in their outermost energy level, making these electrons easier to lose. Cations play essential roles in various chemical reactions and are crucial in the functioning of biological systems as well.

Anions

Anions are the ionic counterpart to cations, carrying a negative charge. These ions form when an atom gains one or more electrons. This gain results in more electrons than protons, giving the ion an overall negative charge. The charge of an anion corresponds to the number of electrons gained. For example, when a chlorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a chloride ion represented as Cl⁻.

Nonmetals in the periodic table often form anions. Nonmetals typically have more electrons in their outer energy level, which makes them more likely to gain electrons to achieve full outer shells. Anions are vital in a wide array of chemical processes and are essential for electrical conductivity in solutions and in biological operations.

Naming Conventions for Ions

The naming conventions for ions are straightforward yet essential for identifying substances in chemistry. For simple cations, which are formed from single atoms, the ion retains the name of its parent element. This means if a potassium atom becomes a cation by losing an electron, it simply becomes a 'potassium ion' (K⁺).

On the other hand, simple anions have distinct naming conventions. When an atom gains electrons and forms an anion, its name typically ends in "-ide." For instance, an oxygen atom, when it accepts two electrons to form an anion, is called an 'oxide ion' (O²⁻).

These naming conventions help make chemical communication more precise and universally understood. This system is essential for writing chemical formulas and equations accurately, assisting chemists worldwide in identifying and discussing specific ions effortlessly.