Another Word For Ion

Meaning

An ion is an atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge because it has gained or lost one or more electrons. Ions can be either positively charged, known as cations (which have lost electrons), or negatively charged, known as anions (which have gained electrons). Ions play a crucial role in various chemical reactions, biological processes, and are present in many substances including salts, acids, and bases.

Synonyms

• Cation (for positive ions)
• Anion (for negative ions)
• Charged particle

Antonyms

• Neutral particle
• Atom (in its uncharged form)

Etymology

The word "ion" comes from the Greek word "ion," which means "going" or "that which goes." This reflects the property of ions to move towards electrodes when subjected to an electric field.

Examples

1. Sodium chloride (table salt) dissociates in water to form positive sodium ions and negative chloride ions.
2. In electrolysis, ions migrate towards the electrodes, allowing for the separation of elements.
3. Many biological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, depend on the movement of ions across cell membranes.