Some atoms are neutral and others have positive or negative charges.
The charged atoms are called "ions".
- If the ion has positive charge, it is called cation.
- If the ion has negative charge, it is called anion.
Ions can be identified by their charge, for example:
- Cations: Na^+1, K^+1, Mg^+2
- Anions: Cl^-1, Br^-1