Indicate whether the formation of each ion involved a loss or gain of electrons, and state the number of electrons that were lost

The sign of the charge on an ion indicates the number of electrons gained or lost by the neutral atom. An ion with +1, +2 or +3 charge, has lost 1, 2 or 3 electrons respectively. An ion with a -1, -2, or -3 charge has gained 1, 2or 3 electrons respectively.

Note: The question did not state the ions in question.

Explanation:

Ions are formed when neutral atoms gain or lose electrons. There are two types of ions; cations and anions.

Cations are positively-charged ions which are formed when neutral atoms lose electrons. Cations are formed by metallic elements as they have a greater tendency to give up their electrons in order to form ions, i.e. they are electropositive elements. Examples of cations include Na+, Ca²+, Al³+, Fe³+, etc.

Anions are negatively-charged ions which are formed when neutral atoms gain electrons. Anions are formed by non-metallic elements as they have a greater tendency to accept electrons in order to form ions, i.e. they are electronegative elements. Examples of anions include; Cl-, O²-, N³-, etc.

The sign of the charge on an ion indicates the number of electrons gained or lost by the neutral atom. An ion with +1, +2 or +3 charge, has lost 1, 2 or 3 electrons respectively. An ion with a -1, -2, or -3 charge has gained 1, 2or 3 electrons respectively.

nuclear fission produces elements that are heavier than helium.

the elements that are used in nuclear fission and their products are much heavier than helium.