Electron transfer between lithium (Li) and fluorine (F). Forming an ionic bond, Li and F become Li + and F − ions. An ion (/ ˈaɪ.ɒn, - ən /) [1] is an atom or molecule with a net electrical charge.

Mar 2, 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 under the influence of an electrical field and are the conductors of electric current in electrolytic cells.

Nov 20, 2021 · 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 single charged atoms (simple ions) or small charged “molecules” (polyatomic ions).” Simple ions include Na +, Ca 2+, and Cl –. Polyatomic ions include (NH 4) +, (CO 3) 2-, and OH –. Unlike protons and neutrons, electrons can be easily removed and added to an atom.

Ions form when atoms lose or gain electrons. Ionic compounds have positive ions and negative ions. Ionic formulas balance the total positive and negative charges.

During the formation of some compounds, atoms gain or lose electrons, and form electrically charged particles called ions (Figure 3.3.1 3.3. 1). Figure 3.3.1 3.3. 1: (a) A sodium atom (Na) has equal numbers of protons and electrons (11) and is uncharged.

The ions that contain a greater number of protons than electrons are known to hold a net positive charge. These ions are commonly referred to as cations. On the other hand, the ions that contain a greater number of electrons than protons are known to hold a net negative charge.