Ion

Definition

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electric charge. Positive ions are called cations, and negative ions are called anions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ions are crucial for the conduction of electricity in solutions and plasmas.
2. The electrostatic force between ions creates electric fields.
3. Coulomb's law describes the force between two charged ions: $F = k \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}$.
4. In an electric field, ions accelerate according to Newton's second law: $F = ma$.
5. Ions can be created through processes such as ionization (losing electrons) and electron attachment (gaining electrons).

Review Questions

• What is the difference between a cation and an anion?
• How does Coulomb's law apply to the interaction between two ions?
• What role do ions play in the conduction of electricity?

Related terms

Electric Field: A region around a charged particle where a force would be exerted on other charged particles.

Coulomb's Law: $F = k \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}$; it quantifies the amount of force between two stationary, electrically charged particles.

Ionization: The process by which an atom or molecule acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electrons.