Complex ions are molecules with a positive or negative charge, consisting of a group of atoms bonded together. They must contain at least one metal and can be broken down into smaller ions. The sulfate ion is a common example.
A complex ion is a tiny particle of matter called a molecule that carries a positive or negative charge. Complex ions consist of a group of atoms bonded together into one larger particle. Ions are simply defined as molecules that carry a positive or negative charge, meaning there are more total protons than electrons, or vice versa. Complex ions must consist of more than one type of atom and can be broken down into two or more smaller ions. All complex ions contain at least one metal or positively charged atom bonded to one or more negatively charged ions.
A little background on the structure of atoms is helpful in understanding ions. An atom is the smallest unit of a pure element that can exist. For example, if a piece of pure gold is broken down again and again down to the smallest microscopic speck, the result is a single atom of gold. This atom would be composed of 79 positive protons grouped in a central nucleus and surrounded by a cloud of 79 negative electrons. If the gold atom gives up one of its negative electrons, it will be left with a positive charge and will therefore be considered an ion.
In chemistry, a metal is an element or type of atom that carries a positive charge. Looking at the periodic table, the elements to the left and center are metals, with the exception of hydrogen. Complex ions occur when an electron of one of these metals bonds with another atom or molecule.
The general structure of complex ions is a central atom of a metal surrounded and bonded to other ions. Together, the metal and the surrounding ions form a single larger piece called a molecule. The total charge on the molecule is either positive or negative, but not neutral.
A common complex ion is the sulfate ion. This ion is composed of a sulfur atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms. The sulfur atom acts like metal, not because it’s shiny, strong, and malleable like everyday metals, but because sulfur gives electrons to surrounding oxygen atoms, leaving it with a positive charge. The sulfate ion carries a negative charge of two because it has two more total electrons than protons, and having a charge is the definition of an ion.
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