Monoatomic anions are negatively charged ions that contain only one type of atom. They are formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, resulting in a net negative charge. For example, when a neutral chlorine atom (\(\mathrm{Cl}\)) gains an electron, it becomes \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\), a monoatomic anion.
These ions are important in chemistry because they often participate in chemical reactions and are key components in various compounds.
To identify a monoatomic anion, follow these steps:
- Determine the element: Look at the chemical symbol to identify the element.
- Consider the charge: If it's negatively charged, it is an anion.
Monoatomic anions are distinct from polyatomic anions, which consist of multiple atoms. Understanding these ions is crucial for grasping the basics of ionic compounds and chemical reactions.