can someone please explain what ions are

Question

.sam. · Answer

An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge.  

Most of the elements in the periodic table form ions,  if it doesn't then you don't have any compounds.

Elements in their ground state have a charge of zero , such as $$Na^0$$
If this element forms an ion , it loses one electron forming $$Na^+$$
Chlorine gas gains the electron and forms Cl^-
The 2 elements come attract each other and froms $$Na^+Cl^- $$

anonymous · Answer

how are ions formed @.Sam.

.sam. · Answer

It depends on the circumstance. For example, dissolve salt in water and it will disociate into sodium and chlorine ions.

anonymous · Answer

for a test would I need to know if ions are formed from two diffrent chemicals
@.Sam.

.sam. · Answer

that's solubility, depends on compounds