Answer:
Cations are ions with a net positive charge.
Cation Examples:
Silver: Ag+
Hydronium: H3O+
Ammonium: NH4+
Anions are ions with a net negative charge.
Anion Examples:
Hydroxide anion: OH-
Oxide anion: O2-
Sulfate anion: SO42-
Explanation:
Cations and anions are both ions. The difference between a cation and an anion is the net electrical charge of the ion. Ions are atoms or molecules which have gained or lost one or more valence electrons, giving the ion a net positive or negative charge. If the chemical species has more protons than electrons, it carries a net positive charge. If there are more electrons than protons, the species has a negative charge. The number of neutrons determines the isotope of an element but does not affect the electrical charge.
