Atoms and Ions: Understanding the Basics

What is an ion?

an isotope

a ligand

a radical

an ion

Answer:

An ion is an atom or group of bonded atoms that has a positive or negative charge.

An ion is an atom or group of bonded atoms that has a positive or negative charge. When an atom loses or gains electrons, it becomes charged and forms an ion. For example, sodium (Na) atom loses one electron to form a positively charged sodium ion (Na+), while chlorine (Cl) atom gains one electron to form a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl-).

Ions play a crucial role in chemical reactions and the formation of compounds. They can combine with other ions or atoms to create stable molecules. Understanding ions is essential in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and physics.