List of Cations and Anions
Various cations and anions which we observe regularly are discussed below in the table
Table for Cations
Some important cations that are widely used are,
Chemical Name | Chemical Symbol |
---|---|
Sodium Cation | Na+ |
Calcium Cation | Ca2+ |
Silver Cation | Ag+ |
Aluminum Cation | Al3+ |
Hydronium Ion | H3O+ |
Ammonium Ion | (NH4)+ |
Ferric Ion | Fe3+ |
Cupric Ion | Cu2+ |
Table for Anions
Some important anions that are widely used are,
Chemical Name | Chemical Symbol |
---|---|
Chloride Anion | Cl– |
Iodide Anion | I– |
Oxide Anion | O-2 |
Hydroxide Ion | OH– |
Sulfate Ion | (SO4)-2 |
Permagnate Ion | (MnO4)– |
Dichromate Ion | (Cr2O7)-2 |
Cyanide Ion | CN– |
Cations vs Anions
Ions are charged species that are formed by the transfer of electrons from the outermost shell. Ions are either positive or negative in nature depending on the overall charge of the ion. If an atom loses an electron it has excess proton forming positive ions whereas if an atom gains an electron it has excess electrons forming negative ions.
In an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl), Na exists as a positive ion (cation) Na+, while Cl exists as a negative ion (anion) Cl–. Because both of them have opposite charges they are attracted to one another creating an ionic bond.
Let’s learn more about ions, their types (cations and anions), and the difference between cations and anions in this article.
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