What term is used to describe negative ions?

The term used to describe negative ions is "anions." Anions are formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, resulting in a net negative charge. This gain of electrons occurs because the atom has more electrons than protons, which are positively charged. For example, when a chlorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a chloride anion (Cl-).

Understanding this concept is essential in various fields, including chemistry and biology, as anions play crucial roles in many biological processes and chemical reactions. They are involved in the formation of compounds, electrolyte balance in cells, and are important in processes like nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

Other terms provided refer to different concepts: cations are positive ions formed when an atom loses electrons, protons are positively charged particles found within atomic nuclei, and ions, in general, refer to any charged particles, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. However, anions specifically denote the negatively charged ions that are critical to this context.