Anion — Science definition
A negatively charged ion, formed when an atom gains one or more electrons (typically a nonmetal).
Where it is taught
- Ionic Bonding — Bonding, Formulas & Molecular Structure, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
An ionic formula balances total cation and anion charge in the simplest whole-number ratio.
Ionic Bonding
Questions using anion
Problem 1
An anion is an ion that has…
- extra protons
- lost electrons and is positive
- gained electrons and is negative
- no charge at all
Answer and explanation
gained electrons and is negative
Gaining electrons gives an atom extra negative charge, making it a negative anion.