: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons—see anion, cation
: a charged subatomic particle (as a free electron)
Atom or
: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons—see anion, cation
: a charged subatomic particle (as a free electron)
Atom or group of atoms with one or more positive or negative electric charges. Positively charged ions are cations, negatively charged ones anions. Ions are formed when electrons are added to or removed from neutral molecules or other ions, as sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) atoms react to form Na+ and Cl; when ions combine with other particles, as hydrogen cations (H+) and ammonia (NH) combine to for