Cation
Anion
Cation
Cation
Explanation:
If an atom, or atoms, has a balanced number of electrons (negative charge) and protons (positive charge) they are neutral overall. However, if they are not balanced, they will be charged. These charged species are called ions.
What is an anion?
An anion has more electrons than protons, consequently giving it a net negative charge. For an anion to form, one or more electrons must be gained, typically pulled away from other atoms with a weaker affinity for them. The number of electrons gained, and so the charge of the ion, is indicated after the chemical symbol, e.g. chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to become Cl-, whilst oxygen (O) gains two electrons to become O2-.
What is a cation?
A cation has more protons than electrons, consequently giving it a net positive charge. For a cation to form, one or more electrons must be lost, typically pulled away by atoms with a stronger affinity for them. The number of electrons lost, and so the charge of the ion, is indicated after the chemical symbol, e.g. silver (Ag) loses one electron to become Ag+, whilst zinc (Zn) loses two electrons to become Zn2+.
Source: Cation vs Anion: Definition, Chart and the Periodic Table By
Karen Steward (PhD)
