Question

How cations and anions are formed in a chemical reaction?

Answer 1

Part 1: Definition of cations and anions

1. Cations: Positively charged ions formed as a result of losing electrons.
2. Anions: Negatively charged ions formed as a result of gaining electrons.

Part 2: Formation of cation in a chemical reaction

1. In a chemical reaction, cations are formed when an electron is released by an atom to attain the nearest noble gas configuration.
2. Generally, metals give out their valence electron to attain the nearest noble gas configuration thus becoming cations.
3. For example:
   $$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Na}\to {\mathrm{Na}}^{+}+{\mathrm{e}}^{-} \\ (2,8,1)(2,8) \end{gathered}$$

Part 3: Formation of anion in a chemical reaction

1. In a chemical reaction, the anions are formed when an electron is accepted by an atom to attain the nearest noble gas configuration.
2. Generally, non-metals in a chemical reaction, accept free electrons to attain the nearest noble gas configuration thus becoming anions.
3. For example:
   $$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Cl}+{\mathrm{e}}^{-}\to {\mathrm{Cl}}^{-} \\ (2,8,7)(2,8,8) \end{gathered}$$