Ions are formed from neutral atoms by

Options

A. loss of electrons only
B. gain of electrons only
C. sharing of electrons
D. loss or gain of electrons

Explanation

To answer the question "Ions are formed from neutral atoms by," we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the concept of ions
- Ions are charged particles that are formed when neutral atoms either lose or gain electrons.

### Step 2: Identify the types of ions
- There are two types of ions:
- Cations: These are positively charged ions formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.
- Anions: These are negatively charged ions formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

### Step 3: Example of a cation formation
- Take sodium (Na) as an example.
- The electronic configuration of sodium is 2, 8, 1.
- To achieve a stable electronic configuration like that of an inert gas (Neon), sodium can lose one electron.
- After losing one electron, sodium becomes a sodium ion (Na⁺), which is a cation.

### Step 4: Example of an anion formation
- Now, consider chlorine (Cl).
- The electronic configuration of chlorine is 2, 8, 7.
- Chlorine needs one more electron to achieve a stable configuration like that of an inert gas (Argon).
- By gaining one electron, chlorine becomes a chloride ion (Cl⁻), which is an anion.

### Step 5: Conclusion
- Therefore, ions are formed from neutral atoms by either losing or gaining electrons.

### Final Answer
Ions are formed from neutral atoms by losing or gaining electrons.

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