What is an ion?
1 Answer
An ion is an atom or a molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electric charge. Atoms are composed of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. The number of protons in the nucleus determines an atom's identity (what element it is), while the number of electrons determines its overall charge.
When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. If an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is called a cation. If an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion.
For example, if a sodium atom (Na) loses one electron, it becomes a sodium cation (Na+), since it now has one more proton than electron. On the other hand, if a chlorine atom (Cl) gains one electron, it becomes a chloride anion (Cl-), as it now has one more electron than proton.
Ions play a crucial role in various chemical and physical processes, including chemical reactions, electricity conduction in solutions, and nerve signaling in biological systems.
When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. If an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is called a cation. If an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion.
For example, if a sodium atom (Na) loses one electron, it becomes a sodium cation (Na+), since it now has one more proton than electron. On the other hand, if a chlorine atom (Cl) gains one electron, it becomes a chloride anion (Cl-), as it now has one more electron than proton.
Ions play a crucial role in various chemical and physical processes, including chemical reactions, electricity conduction in solutions, and nerve signaling in biological systems.