What is an ion?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the definition and characteristics of an ion, which is a fundamental concept in chemistry regarding charged particles.
Answer
An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electrical charge.
An ion is an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electrical charge due to the loss or gain of electrons. Positively charged ions are called cations, while negatively charged ions are called anions.
Answer for screen readers
An ion is an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electrical charge due to the loss or gain of electrons. Positively charged ions are called cations, while negatively charged ions are called anions.
More Information
When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is known as a cation. Conversely, gaining electrons results in a negatively charged anion.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing ions with isotopes. Ions are related to charge differences due to electrons, while isotopes differ in neutron count.
Sources
- Ion | Definition, Chemistry, Examples, & Facts | Britannica - britannica.com
- Ion - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- What is an ion? - chemistrytalk.org
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