Question

Positive ions are called \(,\) whereas negative ions are called

Short answer

Positive ions are called cations, and negative ions are called anions.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding ions

Ions are atoms or molecules that have a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. There are two types of ions, positive ions (which have lost electrons) and negative ions (which have gained electrons). In this exercise, we will learn their names and some examples of each type.

Naming positive ions

Positive ions are formed when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. They are called cations. Since electrons are negatively charged, losing them results in a positive charge on the atom or molecule. For example, when a sodium atom (Na) loses an electron, it becomes a sodium cation (Na+).

Naming negative ions

Negative ions are formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, resulting in a net negative charge. They are called anions. Gaining electrons, which are negatively charged, causes the atom or molecule to have a negative charge. For example, when a chlorine atom (Cl) gains an electron, it becomes a chloride anion (Cl-).

Summarizing

In summary, positive ions are called cations, and negative ions are called anions. Cations are formed when an atom loses electrons, while anions are formed when an atom gains electrons.

Key concepts

Cations

In the world of chemistry, cations play a pivotal role. When an atom loses one or more electrons, it becomes a cation. This loss of electrons results in a positive charge because electrons are negatively charged.
As electrons are removed, the balance between protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge) is disrupted, leaving more protons, and thus a positive charge.

• For example, if a sodium atom (Na) loses one electron, it becomes a sodium cation (Na+).
• Other common cations include potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+).

A simple way to remember cations is that they are "paw-sitive," just like a positively charged ion. Cations are crucial in various chemical reactions, cellular functions, and even in conducting electricity in solutions.

Anions

Anions are equally important in chemistry. They are formed when an atom gains one or more electrons. Since electrons have a negative charge, gaining additional electrons results in the atom or molecule having a negative charge.
Now, the atom has more electrons than protons, tilting the balance to the negative side.

• Take chlorine (Cl) as an example: adding an electron turns it into a chloride anion (Cl-).
• Other examples of anions include fluoride (F-) and sulfate (SO4^{2-}).

Anions and cations tend to attract each other because of their opposite charges, which is a fundamental principle in forming ionic bonds that hold many compounds together, such as salt (NaCl).

Electrical Charge

The concept of electrical charge is paramount in understanding ions. Atoms start out electrically neutral, having an equal number of protons and electrons. However, when electrons are gained or lost, the balance is disturbed, creating a net charge.
This phenomenon gives rise to ions.

• A neutral atom that loses electrons becomes positively charged (cation).
• An atom that gains electrons becomes negatively charged (anion).

Electrical charge is key to the interactions between ions. Positive and negative charges attract each other, which is why cations and anions attract one another to create stable structures. This fundamental principle helps explain many chemical properties and reactions.