What is the Difference Between Positive and Negative Ion?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between positive and negative ions lies in their charge and formation process.
Positive Ions:
- Carry a positive electrical charge.
- Form when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons.
- Also known as cations.
- Example: If an atom has more protons than electrons, it becomes a positive ion.
Negative Ions:
- Carry a negative electrical charge.
- Form when an atom or molecule gains one or more electrons.
- Also known as anions.
- Example: If an atom has more electrons than protons, it becomes a negative ion.
In summary, positive ions have more protons than electrons, while negative ions have more electrons than protons.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Positive and Negative Ion? Comparative Table: Positive vs Negative Ion
Comparative Table: Positive vs Negative Ion
Here is a table comparing the differences between positive and negative ions:
Feature | Positive Ions (Cations) | Negative Ions (Anions) |
---|---|---|
Definition | An atom or molecule that has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a positive net charge | An atom or molecule that has gained one or more electrons, resulting in a negative net charge |
Net Charge | Positive | Negative |
Electron-Proton Ratio | More protons than electrons | More electrons than protons |
Ionization | Endothermic process | Exothermic process |
Electrode During Electrolysis | Attracted to the anode | Attracted to the cathode |
Ionic Radius (trend across a period) | Decreases from left to right | Negative ions are always larger than positive ions in the same period |
Read more:
- Positive vs Negative Ionization in Mass Spectrometry
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- Anion vs Cation
- Free Radical vs Ion
- Electropositive vs Electronegative
- Hydrogen Atom vs Hydrogen Ion
- Ionization vs Dissociation
- Protonation vs Ionization
- Sodium Atom vs Sodium Ion
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- Positive vs Negative Zeta Potential
- Ionization vs Electrolysis
- Electronegativity vs Ionization Energy
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