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.

Jul 31, 2025 · Positively charged ions are called cations, and negatively charged ions are called anions. Ions can be either monatomic (containing only one atom) or polyatomic (containing …

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

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

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 …

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 …

Ions form when doing so minimizes the total potential energy of the chemical species involved in the chemical reaction. Often, this is achieved by allowing atoms of different elements to …