Difference Between a Cation and an Anion
Cations and anions are both types of ions, but they differ fundamentally in their electrical charge, how they are formed, and the types of elements that typically produce them.
Key Differences
Basis| Cation| Anion
---|---|---
Charge| Positive| Negative
Formation| Loss of one or more electrons| Gain of one or more electrons
Typical Elements| Metals| Non-metals
Examples| Sodium (Na⁺), Calcium (Ca²⁺)| Chloride (Cl⁻), Sulfate (SO₄²⁻)
Number of Protons vs Electrons| More protons than electrons| More electrons
than protons
Attraction in Electrolysis| Moves toward cathode (negative electrode)| Moves
toward anode (positive electrode)
Detailed Explanation
- Cations are ions with a net positive charge. They are formed when an atom (usually a metal) loses one or more electrons, resulting in more protons than electrons. For example, sodium (Na) loses an electron to become Na⁺
- Anions are ions with a net negative charge. They are formed when an atom (usually a non-metal) gains one or more electrons, resulting in more electrons than protons. For example, chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to become Cl⁻
- In chemical reactions, cations and anions are attracted to each other because of their opposite charges, leading to the formation of ionic compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl)
Summary
- Cation: Positively charged ion, formed by losing electrons (usually metals).
- Anion: Negatively charged ion, formed by gaining electrons (usually non-metals).
This difference in charge and formation is fundamental to many chemical processes and the structure of compounds
