Ions: Cations, Anions, and their Abbreviations

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding ions, including definitions and examples of cations and anions, how they are formed, and their abbreviations.

What is an ion?

An atom or group of atoms that has a positive or negative charge.

How do ions form?

Ions form when an atom gains or loses electrons.

What is a cation?

An atom or group of atoms with a positive charge.

How do metals form cations?

Metals lose electrons to become cations.

What is an anion?

Atoms or groups of atoms with a negative charge.

How do nonmetals form anions?

Nonmetals tend to form ions by gaining electrons.

How is the ionic charge represented?

An ionic charge is written as a sign (positive ‘+’ or negative ‘-’).

What changes in a name when forming an anion?

The name of the anion is the element name with the ending changed to 'ide'.

Example of a sodium cation abbreviation.

Na+1 = Sodium cation.

Example of an oxide anion abbreviation.

O-2 = Oxide anion.