How does a cation differ from an anion?

A cation is defined as a positively charged ion, which means it has lost one or more electrons. This loss of negatively charged electrons results in a net positive charge. In contrast, an anion is a negatively charged ion that has gained one or more electrons, leading to a net negative charge. The distinction between these two types of ions is fundamental in understanding ionic bonding and chemical reactions since the transfer of electrons between atoms leads to the formation of these charged particles.

For example, when sodium (Na) loses an electron, it becomes a cation (Na⁺), while chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to become an anion (Cl⁻). This fundamental difference in electron configuration and resulting charge is crucial for predicting the behavior of ions in chemical reactions and the formation of ionic compounds.