Stable Ions

Definition

These are atoms that have gained or lost electrons and thus carry charge but remain unreactive due to having full electron shells making them stable.

Related terms

Valence Electrons:

The electrons in an atom's outermost shell that are involved in forming bonds with other atoms.

Ionic Bonding:

A type of chemical bond where one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions which are then attracted to each other due to their opposite charges.

Octet Rule:

A chemical rule of thumb that states atoms tend to combine in such a way that they each have eight electrons in their valence shells, making them as stable as noble gases.