Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Anions are negatively charged ions formed when an atom gains one or more electrons. They play crucial roles in various biological and chemical processes.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Anions are typically larger than their parent atoms due to the addition of one or more electrons.
Common examples of anions include chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO4^2-), and nitrate (NO3-).
Anions are essential for maintaining the osmotic balance within cells and tissues.
They often participate in ionic bonds, forming salts with positively charged cations.
The formation of anions is a key concept in understanding acid-base chemistry and pH balance in biological systems.