Question

Why do atoms become anions and cations

Answer 1

It gains one or more electrons from another atom to become negatively charged.

Step-by-step explanation:

An atom becomes charged by either gaining or losing electrons, and is called an ion. An atom with less than the normal number of electrons is a positive ion (a cation), and an atom with one or more extra electrons is a negative ion (an anion).

Answer 2

Cations (positively-charged ions) and anions (negatively-charged ions) are formed when a metal loses electrons, and a nonmetal gains those electrons. ... And all of them form an anion with a single negative charge. The VIA elements gain two electrons to form anions with a 2- charge.

Step-by-step explanation: OR

Metallic atoms hold some of their electrons relatively loosely. Consequently, they tend to lose electrons and form cations. Conversely, most nonmetallic atoms attract electrons more strongly than metallic atoms, and so gain electrons to form anions.

Metallic atoms hold some of their electrons relatively loosely. Consequently, they tend to lose electrons and form cations. Conversely, most nonmetallic atoms attract electrons more strongly than metallic atoms, and so gain › cat...

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