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 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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Making an ion from an atom or molecule is called ionization. Two or more ions can combine to make a chemical compound. The link between the ions is called an ionic bond. The charge on …