Bromide facts for kids

Bromide is a special kind of atom called an ion. It forms when the element bromine gains an electron from another atom. Think of it like bromine borrowing an electron to become more stable.

When bromine takes an electron, it changes into a bromide ion. For example, if sodium and bromine come together, sodium gives an electron to bromine. Sodium then becomes a sodium ion, and bromine becomes a bromide ion. These two ions are attracted to each other and join to form a chemical compound called sodium bromide. Most bromides are clear (colorless) and not harmful.

What is Bromide?

Bromide is the form of the element bromine after it has gained an electron. In chemistry, when an atom gains electrons, we say it has been "reduced." So, bromide is the "reduced" form of bromine. It's a negatively charged ion, which means it has more electrons than protons.

How Bromide Forms

Atoms usually try to have a full outer shell of electrons to be stable. Bromine needs one more electron to fill its outer shell. When it finds an atom that can easily give away an electron, like sodium, bromine takes that electron.

• The sodium atom, which gives away an electron, becomes a positively charged ion (a cation).
• The bromine atom, which gains an electron, becomes a negatively charged bromide ion (an anion).

These opposite charges attract each other, forming a strong bond. This is how many chemical compounds, like sodium bromide, are created.

What are Bromides Like?

Many compounds that contain bromide are often colorless. They are also generally considered safe and non-toxic in small amounts. Bromides are found in nature, for example, in seawater.

Bromide as an Old Saying

Sometimes, the word "bromide" is used in a different way. It can mean a saying or phrase that has been used so many times that it sounds boring or unoriginal. It's like a very old joke that everyone has heard before. For example, phrases like "quick as a mouse" or "big as an elephant" might be called bromides because they are very common and don't sound fresh or new. When people write stories or articles, they usually try to use new and interesting ways to describe things instead of these overused expressions.

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