What is an anion and a cation?

Answer 1

Cations and anions are different types of ions.

A cation is a positively charged atom or group of atoms

A anion is a negatively charged atom or group of atoms

total positive charge of cations = total negative charge of anions

Answer 2

An anion is a negatively charged ion that has gained electrons. A cation is a positively charged ion that has lost electrons. Both anions and cations are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell.

Answer 3

Anions are negatively charged ions, while cations are positively charged ions