ioonides
Iones are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion, also known as a cation. Conversely, when an atom gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion, known as an anion. The number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. This balance is disrupted in ions.
Ions are fundamental to many chemical and biological processes. For example, in solution, ionic compounds like
The charge of an ion is indicated by a superscript following the element's symbol or chemical formula.