Year 8 Science · Unit 2 · Lesson 9

Ions, Cations and Anions

Foundation Worksheet

Name
Date
Class

Learning Goals

True or False? Fix the false ones

Circle T or F for each statement. If the statement is false, rewrite it correctly on the line below.

A sodium ion (Na⁺) has a different number of protons from a neutral sodium atom.

Correct it:

T
F

An ion is a brand-new element, different from the atom it formed from.

Correct it:

T
F

Na⁺ has one more electron than a neutral sodium atom.

Correct it:

T
F

A cation is a positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons.

Correct it:

T
F

An anion has gained electrons, so it has an overall negative charge.

Correct it:

T
F

Odd one out

Circle the item that does not belong in each group. Then explain why it doesn't fit.

#GroupYour answer (odd one + reason)
1 Na⁺    Mg²⁺    Al³⁺    O²⁻
2 Na⁺    Mg²⁺    K⁺    Cl⁻
3 Lost electrons    Positive charge    Cation    Gained electrons
4 Lost 1 electron    Charge = +1    More protons than electrons    Gained 1 electron

1. Chlorine (Cl) has 17 protons. When it forms an ion, it gains one electron to become Cl⁻. How many protons and electrons does Cl⁻ have? Is Cl⁻ a cation or an anion?

Recall 2 marks

2. A magnesium atom forms the ion Mg²⁺. How many electrons did it lose, and is Mg²⁺ a cation or an anion? Explain your answer.

Recall 2 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?