WHAT IS AN ION?

WHAT IS AN ION?

Compounds composed of metals and non-metals contain charged species. The charged species are known as ions. Ions may consist of a single charged atom or a group of atoms that have a net charge on them. An ion can be negatively or positively charged.

CATION

The positively charged ion is called a ‘ cation ’. Take, for example, sodium chloride (NaCl). Its constituent particles are positively charged sodium ions (Na⁺).

ANION

A negatively charged ion is called an " anion ". Take, for example, sodium chloride (NaCl). Its constituent particles are negatively charged chloride ions (Cl^–).

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK

POLYATOMIC ION

POLYATOMIC ION

A group of atoms carrying a charge is known as a polyatomic ion (Table). We shall learn more about the formation of ions in Chapter 4.

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK