Question
What is an ion?
Solution
An ion is a charged particle. It can be either positively charged or negatively charged. A negatively charged ion is called an anion and a positively charged ion is called a cation. Ions may consist a single charged atom or a group of atoms that have a net-charge on them. Such a group of atoms carrying a net charge is known as a polyatomic ion. For example, Na+ is a single charged atom and is known as sodium cation. Cl– is a single charged atom and is known as chloride anion. NO-3 is a group of atoms carrying net negative charge and is known polyatomic anion.
