WJEC Chemistry Practice Exam

When an atom loses electrons, it results in the formation of a positive ion. This occurs because electrons carry a negative charge; thus, when they are removed from the atom, the overall charge of the atom becomes positive. The process can be understood in terms of charge balance: an atom normally has an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged), making it neutral. When one or more electrons are lost, there are more protons than electrons, leading to a net positive charge.

This concept is crucial in understanding ionic bonding and chemical reactions, as positive ions often interact with negative ions to form compounds. The distinctions between different types of ions and their formation is fundamental in chemistry, particularly in understanding reactions and the behavior of elements.