noun
- an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons and therefore has a positive or negative electric charge
Usage: chemistry; physics
Examples
- Sodium chloride dissolves in water to form sodium and chloride ions.
- The battery works by moving ions between the positive and negative electrodes.
- Calcium ions are essential for proper muscle function.
- The scientist studied how ions behave in different solutions.
- Positive ions are called cations, while negative ions are called anions.
- The ion exchange process removes impurities from the water.