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.

Dec 26, 2025 · 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 …

Ions are atoms that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes a cation, which is a positively charged ion. Conversely, when an atom …

Jan 1, 2026 · Ions are atoms that have a positive or negative charge because they have unequal numbers of protons and electrons. If atoms lose electrons, they become positive ions, or cations.

Ions can be positively charged or negatively charged. A Lewis diagram is used to show how electrons are transferred to make ions and ionic compounds.

Nov 19, 2025 · Understand the fundamental chemistry of ions—charged atoms and molecules—that enable life, electricity, and crucial chemical reactions.

Atoms form ions to achieve a more stable electron configuration, typically that of the nearest noble gas. By losing or gaining electrons, an atom can attain a full outermost electron shell (an 'octet'), which is …

Sep 4, 2019 · Learn the definition of an ion, as used in chemistry, chemical engineering, and physics, plus review examples of ions.

Electrons can move from one atom to another; when they do, species with overall electric charges are formed. Such species are called ions. Species with overall positive charges are termed cations, while …

The oppositely charged ions – typically a great many of them – are then attracted to each other to form solid sodium fluoride. Ionic bonding is a type of chemical bonding that involves the electrostatic …