35.9k views
2 votes
Describe the difference between an element, ion, cation, and anion.

User Mr Stanev
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

A cation forms when a neutral atom loses electrons, while an anion forms when a neutral atom gains electrons. forms when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons from its valence shell, and an anion (a negative ion) forms when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons in its valence shell.

Step-by-step explanation:

As you have learned, ions are atoms or molecules bearing an electrical charge. A cation (a positive ion) forms when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons from its valence shell, and an anion (a negative ion) forms when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons in its valence shell.

A cation forms when a neutral atom loses electrons, while an anion forms when a neutral atom gains electrons. forms when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons from its valence shell, and an anion (a negative ion) forms when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons in its valence shell.

User Altso
by
8.3k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.