Anion
Definition: An anion is an electrically charged particle that carries a negative charge. It occurs when an atom or molecule gains electrons and thereby acquires a negative charge.
Properties: Anions have a higher number of electrons compared to neutral atoms or molecules. By absorbing electrons, the charge of the particle becomes negative. Anions are usually larger than the corresponding neutral particles.
Behavior during electrolysis: During electrolysis, an electrochemical process, anions move towards the anode because they are attracted to the positive anode due to their negative charge. This behavior is why they are called anions.
Examples of anions: There are a variety of anions that can occur in various chemical compounds. Here are some examples:
- Halide (X-)
- Bromide (Br-)
- Chloride (Cl-)
- Fluoride (F-)
- Oxide (O2-)
- Sulphide (S2-)
- Nitride (N3-)
- Hypochlorite (ClO-)
- Chlorite (ClO2-)
- Hydroxide (OH-)
- Nitrite (NO2-)
- Nitrate (NO3-)
- Hydrogen carbonate (HCO3-)
These anions play an important role in many chemical reactions and in nature. They can occur in both inorganic and organic compounds and have different chemical properties.
