The Importance of Ions

Chemistry
The Importance of Ions

In chemistry, we attempt to grasp numerous rules and facts so that we can better understand the world around us down to the most basic of levels. Ions are amongst the most important binding agents of the universe and the least significant item on a person’s list of graces at thanksgiving. A key to being able to comprehend how chemistry works is knowing what ions are, the job they perform, and how crucial their impact on everything is.
What is an ion? The most cookie cutter, “don’t bother me” answer would be “A positively or negatively charged atom or group of atoms. See also cation, anion.” But what is an electrically charged atom/ group of atoms? They are the most basic building block of everything we know with endless combinations which provide for and explain why there is an endless list of different objects and substances in the universe. Atoms are composed of three parts: the positive proton, the nobody neutral neutron, and the very negative electron. The charge of an atom can be seen as a majority vote determined between protons and electrons, neutrons have nothing to do with this as they represent the guys who are in on the ride but never bother to go to election. Atoms generally will be in a stalemate, the number of protons matching the number of electrons. But every once in awhile an electron might not be where it is supposed to be, either an outsider joining the group or not even there for some reason or another. This results in the formation of the ion. All atoms can form ions with some gases being exceptions. Elements like Neon, Argon, Krypton, and Xenon are devoid off discontent amongst their protons and electrons and so exist like utopian societies free of needs and wants. It is virtually impossible for their atoms to lose or gain electrons. Not to interesting right? Well some people thought/think it is.
Way back in the days of the 1800’s (the first half where not much anything interesting happened with the...