Question

Which of the following statements are true about a cation and an anion?

• A. Positively charged ions are called anions.
• B. Negatively charged ions are called anions.
• C. Positively charged ions are called cations.
• D. Negatively charged ions are called cations.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B Negatively charged ions are called anions.
C Positively charged ions are called cations.

When an atom or a group of atoms loses or gains electrons, they attain a charge over them. These charged species are known as ions.

• Cations are the ions with a net positive charge on them. Examples : ${\text{Ag}}^{+}$, ${\text{NH}}_4^{+}$.
• Anions are the ions with a net negative charge on them. Examples : ${\text{OH}}^{-}$, ${\text{SO}}_4^2-$.