¿Qué es un Ion, Cation y Anion?

Understanding Atoms and Ions

The Fundamental Unit of Chemical Elements

• Atoms are the fundamental units of chemical elements, composed of subatomic particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons.

• Generally, atoms are electrically neutral with equal numbers of positive (protons) and negative (electrons) charges.

Formation of Ions

• An ion is defined as an atom or group of atoms that carries a charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.

• When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged (cation), while gaining electrons results in a negatively charged ion (anion).

Example: Lithium and Sodium Bicarbonate

• For instance, lithium (atomic number 3) has three protons and three electrons; losing one electron leads to a net positive charge.