Ions And Its Formation

A charged atom or molecules is simply known as Ion. “Ion” term was first introduced in 1834 by English chemist Michael Faraday.

The word Ion came from the Greek word ienai means “to go”. When atom or molecule gain or lose one or more electrons from its valency shell giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge in it, it becomes Positive or Negative charged Ion.

Ion, a charge particle may be a charged independent atom or charged group of atoms (polyatomic). Ions are of two types.

      1.Cation (Positive charged ion)

      2.Anion (Negative charged ion)

Cations are called positive charged ion because the number of protons will be greater than the number of electrons. The formula for cation is represented by symbol of that particular element followed by a superscript indicating the number and followed by a “+” sign.

Anions are called negative charged ion because the number of electrons will be greater than the number of protons. The formula for anion is represented by symbol of that particular element followed by a superscript indicating the number and followed by a “-” sign. 

Magnitude (strength) of the charge of the ion depends on valency of an ion.