
Ion - Wikipedia
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.
Ion | Definition, Chemistry, Examples, & Facts | Britannica
Nov 18, 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 migrate …
What Is an Ion? Definition and Examples - ThoughtCo
Sep 4, 2019 · Learn the definition of an ion, as used in chemistry, chemical engineering, and physics, plus review examples of ions.
Ion - Properties, Symbols and Formation | CK-12 Foundation
Nov 1, 2012 · 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 and Ionic Compounds | Introductory Chemistry - Lumen Learning
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 cations, while …
3.2: Ions - Chemistry LibreTexts
Atoms that lose electrons acquire a positive charge as a result because they are left with fewer negatively charged electrons to balance the positive charges of the protons in the nucleus. Positively …
What Is an Ion? Chemistry Definition - Science Notes and Projects
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 two …
Ions Explained: Definition, Examples, Practice & Video Lessons - Pearson
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 an atom …
Ion Definition: Meaning, Types, Examples & Key Facts Explained
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 'octet'), which is …
Ion Examples With Positive & Negative Charges | YourDictionary
Jul 16, 2021 · Ions, atoms with unequal amounts of electrons and protons, can have multiple types. Review how they differ and how they combine with examples of ions.