Ions consisting of only a single atom are termed monatomic ions, atomic ions or simple ions, while ions consisting of two or more atoms are termed polyatomic ions or molecular ions.
Ion, any atom or group of atoms that bears one or more positive or negative electrical charges. Positively charged ions are called cations; negatively charged ions, anions. Ions migrate under the influence of an electrical field and are the conductors of electric current in electrolytic cells.
In chemical reactions, ions form when atoms or molecules gain or lose valence electrons. Only nuclear reactions change the number of protons in a chemical species. The two types of ions are anions and cations. An anion has a net negative electrical charge. It contains more electrons than protons.
Ions are the driving force behind the formation of many chemical compounds and are involved in nearly every biological and electrical process. Understanding these charged species is necessary for comprehending basic chemistry, the function of the human body, and modern energy storage solutions.
Ions form when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating charged particles. Because these particles carry electric charge, they interact through attraction and repulsion.
This page explains ions as charged particles from atom electron gain or loss. Cations are positive ions from lost electrons, while anions are negative ions from gained electrons.
This means that positive ions are attracted to negative ions and they add to one another until the charge is neutralized. This would be defined as an Ionic Compound.
Learn the definition of an ion, as used in chemistry, chemical engineering, and physics, plus review examples of ions.