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

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.

answered
User Altso
by
8.3k points
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.