If an atom, or atoms, has a balanced number of electrons negative charge and protons positive charge they are neutral overall. However, if they are not balanced, they will be charged. These charged species are called ions.
A cation has more protons than electrons, consequently giving it a net positive charge. For a cation to form, one or more electrons must be lost, typically pulled away by atoms with a stronger affinity for them. The number of electrons lost, and so the charge of the ion, is indicated after the chemical symbol, e.
An anion has more electrons than protons, consequently giving it a net negative charge. For an anion to form, one or more electrons must be gained, typically pulled away from other atoms with a weaker affinity for them. The number of electrons gained, and so the charge of the ion, is indicated after the chemical symbol, e. The main differences between cations and anions are summarized in the table below. It can be possible to predict whether an atom will form a cation or an anion based on its position on the periodic table.
Anions are negative ions—they are negatively charged because they have gained one or more electrons and therefore have more electrons than protons. Whether you need one-on-one or group study sessions, Dictionary Academy tutoring is custom-fit to meet your learning needs. Feedback We've Added New Words! Word of the Day.
Meanings Meanings. Next "Fiddle" vs. What Is An Anion? What is a cation? What is an anion? What is the difference between cations and anions?
Where do the words cation and anion come from? Is oxygen a cation or an anion? How to use cation vs. Looking for more explanation? Don't Get Mixed Up Again! Get Dictionary. They have an opposite electrical charge, therefore they get attracted to each other. Cation repels other cation whereas anion repels another anion. The number of protons is more than the number of electrons in a cation whereas the number of electrons is more than the number of protons in an anion.
The above differences would have given a clear picture of how these two ions that sound alike differ in nature during a chemical reaction in particular. Cations and anions introduction: Ions which are a part of the science subject Chemistry forms from atoms and electrons that have either gained or lost their weight by the removal or adding of one or more valence electrons which would create either positive or a negative charge. Cations and Anions: What are cations? What are anions?
0コメント