Which term describes a negatively charged ion?

Study for the Georgia High School Physical Science Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, detailed hints and explanations included. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a negatively charged ion?

Explanation:
Gaining electrons changes the overall charge of an atom, and when it ends up with more electrons than protons, it becomes a negatively charged ion called an anion. The word you’re after describes that negative charge, which is why anion is the best choice. A positively charged ion is a cation, formed when an atom loses electrons. An electron is a negatively charged particle itself, not an ion. A proton is a positively charged particle in the nucleus, also not an ion.

Gaining electrons changes the overall charge of an atom, and when it ends up with more electrons than protons, it becomes a negatively charged ion called an anion. The word you’re after describes that negative charge, which is why anion is the best choice. A positively charged ion is a cation, formed when an atom loses electrons. An electron is a negatively charged particle itself, not an ion. A proton is a positively charged particle in the nucleus, also not an ion.

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