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.

Dec 26, 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 …

Sep 4, 2019 · Learn the definition of an ion, as used in chemistry, chemical engineering, and physics, plus review examples of ions.

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 …

Jul 31, 2025 · Positively charged ions are called cations, and negatively charged ions are called anions. Ions can be either monatomic (containing only one atom) or polyatomic (containing more than one …

Jan 1, 2026 · 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.

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.

Read this tutorial to learn about what an ion is, the differently charged ions, and how they are involved in different branches of chemistry!

Making an ion from an atom or molecule is called ionization. Two or more ions can combine to make a chemical compound. The link between the ions is called an ionic bond. The charge on a proton is …

Ions can be positively charged or negatively charged. A Lewis diagram is used to show how electrons are transferred to make ions and ionic compounds.