What is the name of a negative ion that has gained an electron?

What is the name of a negative ion that has gained an electron?

• A. Ion
• B. Cation
• C. Anion
• D. Atom

Answer: (C)

A negative ion that has gained an electron is referred to as an anion. This term is derived from the Greek word "ano," meaning "up," which reflects its tendency to move towards the positively charged electrode (anode) in electrolysis. When an atom gains one or more electrons, it results in an increase in the number of negatively charged particles compared to positively charged protons in the nucleus, leading to an overall negative charge. For example, if a neutral chlorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a chloride ion (Cl⁻), which is a specific instance of an anion. In contrast, a cation is a positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons. An ion is a general term that refers to any charged particle, whether positively or negatively charged. The term atom refers to the basic unit of a chemical element, which does not imply a charge unless specified as an ion. Thus, anion specifically captures the definition of a negatively charged ion that has gained an electron.

A negative ion that has gained an electron is referred to as an anion. This term is derived from the Greek word "ano," meaning "up," which reflects its tendency to move towards the positively charged electrode (anode) in electrolysis.

When an atom gains one or more electrons, it results in an increase in the number of negatively charged particles compared to positively charged protons in the nucleus, leading to an overall negative charge. For example, if a neutral chlorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a chloride ion (Cl⁻), which is a specific instance of an anion.

In contrast, a cation is a positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons. An ion is a general term that refers to any charged particle, whether positively or negatively charged. The term atom refers to the basic unit of a chemical element, which does not imply a charge unless specified as an ion. Thus, anion specifically captures the definition of a negatively charged ion that has gained an electron.